Novak Djokovic scripted history by clinching his first Olympic Gold medal in Paris on Sunday, August 4. It was the only piece of silverware missing from his stellar trophy cabinet. Marian Vajda, Djokovic’s former longtime coach, penned him a heartfelt message following his incredible triumph.
Playing in his fifth Olympic Games, Djokovic entered the competition as the top seed, but wasn’t a favorite for gold. The Serb hadn’t won a single tournament in 2024 leading up to Paris.
He opened his campaign with a routine win over Matthew Ebden and then saw off arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the subsequent round. After comfortable wins over Dominik Koepfer, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Lorenzo Musetti, he set up a blockbuster final against the in-form Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic and Alcaraz, the top two seeds, battled it out in a high quality match that ended in two tight tie-breakers. It was the Serb who came out on top 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2), overturning his Wimbledon drubbing by the Spaniard a couple of weeks ago.
A host of stars congratulated Djokovic following this feat. Former coach and longterm friend Vajda posted on Instagram for the Serb, sending a heartwarming message to him and his family.
The Slovak coach paid tribute to Djokovic’s process, his countless hours of work, and all the failures that have helped him realize this moment.
“Nolito! The mission is completed! After so many years of sailing you reach the shore!!! The long-term effort resulted in an Olympic gold medal on your neck!!🥇🚀 Outstanding achievement so proud of You! I fell in tears when you nailed the last stunning F winner!!!🥇❤️💪🏻👌🏻Congrats to your family and all the members of your team! @djokernole @jelenadjokovicndf @gebhardgritsch @viktortroicki,” Vajda wrote on Instagram.
Vajda is widely regarded as one of the most successful men’s tennis coach. He was a part of Djokovic’s entourage for roughly 16 years over two stints, leading him to a whopping 85 tour titles, including 20 Grand Slams.
VAjda’s work with the Serb saw him win the ATP Coach of the Year award in 2018. He was also awarded best coach by Olympic Committee of Serbia in 2010 and 2011.
Novak Djokovic becomes fifth player to complete the Golden Slam
Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics (IMAGE: GETTY)
Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics (IMAGE: GETTY)
Novak Djokovic joined an elite group of athletes after his historic triumph against Alcaraz in the men’s singles final on Sunday. Already the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles, he became just the fifth player in to complete the ‘Golden Slam’ in the Open Era – winning all four major titles and the Olympic singles gold. Steffi Graff, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams are the others to have done it.
Graff was the first to ever win a Career Golden Slam. She did it as an 18-year-old back in 1988. Her husband Andre Agassi followed suit by completing his set in 1999, becoming the first man to do it. Nadal got it after winning his first US Open in 2010, while Williams joined him in 2012.
With the win, Djokovic now has 72 big titles (Grand Slam, ATP Finals, Masters 1000, & Olympic singles gold). He is also the only player to win the Olympic Gold, all majors, and all nine Masters 1000 events on the tennis calendar.