Andy Roddick has lambasted tennis fans who have taken issue with Novak Djokovic’s heartwarming embrace with his daughter Tara after the 2024 Paris Olympics final. The Serb was overcome with emotion after winning his maiden gold medal at the prestigious event, sharing his joy with his loved ones.
Djokovic recently fulfilled his long-held dream of winning the Olympic singles gold, achieving the career Golden Slam by claiming an impressive 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win over Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Roland Garros.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly shaking with emotion at the magnitude of his victory, making his way to his family in the stands to celebrate the historic feat. As the Serb was engulfed by his loved ones, he clung to his daughter Tara in a tearful embrace.
As a picture of the touching scene went viral on social media, it also attracted some unwarranted criticism. On a recent episode of the ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast, the American expressed his frustration with those who failed to appreciate the heartening display.
Roddick emphasized the significance of the win for Novak Djokovic, asserting that even the World No. 2’s seventh Wimbledon title didn’t elicit as emotionally intense a response.
“I haven’t seen that emotional set from Novak in a very long time. Winning your seventh Wimbledon, it didn’t elicit the reaction… his body was shaking,” he said.
Mike, the producer of the former World No. 1’s podcast, chimed in to say that the Serb and his daughter Tara’s embrace was the “greatest moment” of his win.
“The moment with him and his daughter, it killed me. it was like the greatest moment,” Mike said.
Roddick concurred, denouncing social media users who have disparaged and attacked the heartfelt moment, contending that they didn’t deserve to watch tennis. The American argued that while fans may disagree with Djokovic’s personal choices, they should still respect his “greatness.”
“If you can’t appreciate that, you should just retire from watching sports forever. I don’t care about like, I care about respect. If you’re a fan that is on Twitter ripping on Novak, then you don’t deserve to watch tennis. It’s some loser. You can like someone more, someone else can also be great,” Roddick said.
“If that scene doesn’t pull at your heartstrings… I don’t need you to agree with someone’s life decisions to respect greatness when it’s staring you right in the face and to appreciate it meaning something to someone. Simple, that scene was, I haven’t seen him that emotional for a long time,” he added.
“Emotional stuff, lucky to see it” – Andy Roddick hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘GOAT’ after Paris Olympics gold medal win
Andy Roddick lavished high praise on Novak Djokovic after his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, commending the Serb on his willpower to succeed against the “current best” player in Carlos Alcaraz.
“The willpower. Cant explain the effort I just witnessed from Nole. GOAT. To get one last chance, tell everyone what your priority is, and the deliver against the current best. Emotional stuff. Lucky to see it. Props,” Roddick posted on X.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged Roddick’s kind words on social media, expressing his gratitude.
“Thank you Andy 🙏🙌,” he commented.
Following his Olympic gold victory, Djokovic has chosen to forgo his title defense at the Cincinnati Open. Consequently, the Serb will enter the US Open as the defending champion without any preparatory tournaments on hard courts as he attempts to win his 25th Major title.