Novak Djokovic ended his 16-year-long wait to win a gold medal at Paris Olympics 2024 in what he called “probably the biggest sporting success”. The Serbian is also eyeing to play the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, when he would turn 41. The 37-year-old already became the oldest to win an Olympic gold in the history of singles tennis event. Djokovic beat Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) in an enthralling final at the Court Phillippe Chartier in Paris.

“This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling,” the 37-year-old Serb said. “I want to play in Los Angeles, I enjoy playing for my country in the Olympic Games, in the Davis Cup,” he added. Djokovic won a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics 2008 and lost three semi-finals before clinching the gold medal at the Paris Games.

Djokovic wins gold in Paris

With the historic win, Djokovic joined Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams in an elite club. These are the only players to win all four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic singles gold, completing the career Golden Slam.

“I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today.”

Djokovic, who has won a men’s record 24 majors and swept up every title there is in tennis, finally clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Games. He also managed to beat Alcaraz, who got the better of him in two consecutive Wimbledon finals.

The 37-year-old said that he was not assured of a win until the final shot and gave his everything thinking that this could be his last shot at the Olympic gold.

“Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”

How Wimbledon loss worked in Djokovic’s favour

“We almost played three hours, the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match,” said Djokovic.

“I knew that this could be my last chance of a gold medal,” added Djokovic at his post-final press conference still draped in his country’s flag and with his medal hanging proudly around his neck.

“I did everything I possibly could to prepare myself for this period. The injury sidetracked me a little bit. But coming into the Olympic Games, I felt like a different player in terms of how I moved, how I played.

Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but became the youngest to win a silver medal in the tennis event on his Olympic debut.

“In a way losing heavily to Alcaraz at Wimbledon probably worked in my favour as I knew I couldn’t play any worse than that.”