Sports network Eurosport has apologized to Novak Djokovic for mistakenly accompanying his name with a Croatia flag after his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Olympic gold medal.
It was a grueling encounter, with Djokovic ultimately winning 7-6(3), 7-6(2). With this, the 24-time Grand Slam champion became the fifth player to complete a career golden slam after Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams.
After Djokovic’s victory, sports broadcaster Eurosport shared a post on social media with a Croatian flag emoticon next to the Serb’s name on social media.
They have now issued an apology to Djokovic for their error:
“We deeply regret the mistake that was made when choosing a flag emoticon to post on a social network and sincerely apologize. Once again, we congratulate Novak on a truly historic moment for him and his country,” Eurosport said (via Express).
Another error from Eurosport was commited when one of its commentators mistakenly referred to Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, as her “umbrella holder” during the Opening Ceremony of the quadrennial event. Ohanian, however, responded to the gaffe with a humorous post on Instagram.
“I was aware that this was my last chance to win an Olympic gold” – Novak Djokovic said after his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games Paris 2024(Source: Getty)
Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games Paris 2024(Source: Getty)
After he triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in the final, Novak Djokovic shared that he had thought about the possibility that this could be his last chance to win an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic said:
“Doubts always exist, but faith and the belief that I can achieve my goals are always stronger. I was aware that this was my last chance to win an Olympic gold, so I had to focus fully on my goal,” Djokovic said (Via Punto de Break).
Djokovic also talked about his feelings on hearing his country’s anthem during the medal ceremony:
“Nothing will ever surpass seeing myself on the podium listening to the Serbian anthem with the flag raised,” he added.
After an intense Olympic campaign, Djokovic will turn his focus toward the upcoming Grand Slam, the 2024 US Open. Djokovic, who will be entering as the defending champion, defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the final last year.
He will aim to win his 25th Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows. The 2024 US Open begins on Monday, August 26.