Lindsay Davenport has revealed she is convinced Novak Djokovic would have chosen securing the Olympic gold over winning all four Grand Slam titles this year.
The former world No 1 described Djokovic’s triumph at the Paris Olympics as “without a doubt the best moment in the world of tennis” in 2024.
Djokovic was unable to add to his record total of 24 Grand Slam titles this year, but he did secure the only significant tennis prize previously missing from his staggering trophy collection.
The 37-year-old delivered one of the finest performances of his glittering career to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Games.
The Serbian was competing at his fifth Olympics and had claimed his only previous medal, a bronze, on his Games debut in Beijing in 2008.
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In an interview with Sport Klub, Davenport addressed what role Djokovic’s efforts at the Olympics played in his third round exit at the 2024 US Open.
“Big, but that’s normal. I was delighted when he won the gold medal in Paris,” said the three-time major winner.
“If you had asked him if he wanted Olympic gold or all four Grand Slam tournaments, I am convinced he would have said gold. It is without a doubt the best moment in the world of tennis this year.
“He wanted it more than anyone else, more than anything in the world. And he did all this after surgery and losing the final at Wimbledon. It just shows his greatness.”
Speaking in front of a massive crowd gathered in Belgrade to celebrate Serbia’s Olympians last month, Djokovic recognised it could have been his last chance to win a gold medal and labelled it his greatest achievement.
“The long-awaited gold. I entered these Olympics without a trophy, I had an injury. Many questioned the quality of my tennis. Few people considered me a favourite, but I secretly believed,” the tennis legend declared.
“I knew this might be my last chance to win gold. It was one of my best tournaments; I didn’t lose a set. I felt the support of the people.
“If there was ever a moment, it was now. Without false modesty, this is my greatest sports achievement, and I proudly carry this gold for Serbia.”