Tennis legend Jimmy Connors has lauded Novak Djokovic on his achievement of winning a first Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion also proclaimed that he would have loved the opportunity to compete at the Olympics in his own career.
Djokovic overcame Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling gold medal match at the Paris Olympics to secure the only big tennis title that had previously eluded him.
The 37-year-old Serbian was playing his fifth Olympics, having achieved his previous best result on his debut in Beijing in 2008, when he claimed a bronze medal.
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Speaking on the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors argued Djokovic’s gold medal matches his maiden victories at Wimbledon and the US Open.
“What do you expect from those two? The kind of tennis that they play and the matches that they play against each other and the effort that they go out and give,” began the American.
“Seeing Alcaraz at such a young age, the success that he has had, against Djokovic who has been around for 15 or 20 years and still wanting it.
“Probably this gold medal is as important to him as his first Wimbledon or US Open. Because he’s done the other. He’s won every Grand Slam, many other tournaments, but winning the gold medal here is just the icing on the cake. Almost three hours of play, 7-6, 7-6, what else do you expect?”
The eight-time Grand Slam champion added: “Novak is an amazing player, and what he’s done in the sport is nothing short of remarkable.
“Winning an Olympic gold medal is a dream for any athlete, and Novak’s perseverance to finally achieve that is a testament to his greatness.
“I’ve always been proud to represent my country, and I can only imagine what it would have felt like to play for an Olympic gold medal. Winning for your country on such a global stage would have been huge for me.
“The Olympics bring out the best in athletes. It’s not just about individual glory, it’s about playing for something bigger, for your country.
“I would have loved to have had that opportunity, and seeing Novak achieve it makes me appreciate just how special that moment is.
“Novak has that drive, that hunger to be the best. It’s something I can relate to, and it’s part of why he’s been so successful. His ability to sustain that level of excellence over so many years is extraordinary.”