Novak Djokovic’s season is amazing thanks to his extraordinary triumph at the Paris Olympics, where the Serbian champion won a gold medal for the first time in his career. The former world number 1 had this dream his whole life and managed to make it happen just when he had less chance.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was not going through a great season before the start of the Paris Olympics, but he was able to express his best tennis right in the decisive rounds of the Olympic tournament.
After defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals and Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinal, Novak turned all the odds around by beating the big favourite Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Two tiebreaks made the difference in favor of Nole, in a very spectacular match where there were no breaks.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade enjoyed his triumph in Paris and decided to miss both the Montreal Masters 1000 and the Cincinnati Masters 1000. The Serbian will be at the US Open without any preparation tournament, but rest is essential for a player of his age. Djokovic also admitted that he is no longer interested in returning to the top of the ATP ranking, having broken every record in recent years.
Djokovic never gives up
Novak Djokovic has also fulfilled the last great dream of his career, winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics after an amazing run.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic© Matthew Stockman / Staf Getty Images Sport
During the latest edition of his podcast, ATP legend Jimmy Connors commented on Djokovic’s triumph at the Paris Olympics: “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?
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.”
The new ATP ranking
The final of the Masters 1000 in Montreal is missing but this week’s ranking has brought interesting news. Jannik Sinner lost 800 points for failing to defend last year’s title and now his rivals are putting him in the crosshairs.
Novak Djokovic will not participate in Cincinnati and therefore the overtaking is postponed while Alcaraz only needs the quarter-finals to beat the Serbian tennis player. Important changes in the Top Ten with Andrey Rublev who – after a good performance in Montreal – returned to number 6 in the world. Hurkacz and de Minaur in decline, but Ruud and De Minaur.
Best Ranking also for Sebastian Korda who thanks to the semi-final in Montreal became number 15 in the world rankings. Lorenzo Musetti, who lost two positions in the ATP ranking, is down. Great jump of our Matteo Arnaldi who gains 17 positions and is now in the Top 30 world, just ahead of Popyrin: the Australian finalist in Montreal is number 30 in the world and a victory could make him rise even more in the ranking. Well also Flavio Cobolli, number 31 and new best Ranking for him. Luciano Darderi and Matteo Berrettini lose some positions, with a net decrease also for Marcos Giron and Gael Monfils.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also loses ground, losing 11 positions and is now the world’s 53rd. Well also Rinderknech and especially Hijikata, best ranking for both. He is down for injury but has gained some position Luca Nardi who has gained 4 positions and is now number 91 in the world.
The next big thing for top players will be the US Open, which will take place in New York at the end of this month. Serbian legend Nole Djokovic will try to defend his title in 2023, while Russian Daniil Medvedev reached the final after beating Carlos Alcaraz. Jannik Sinner came to an eight last year, beaten by Alexander Zverev in a match conditioned by the heat and humidity.