S.Kannan in Paris
Who says men should not cry? Sunday evening, on the brick-red clay courts of Roland Garros, Serbian star Novak Djokovic showed how pain could be converted into pleasure as he shut out Carlos Alcaraz in two tie-breaks of high intensity to win a Golden Slam. In less than a few minutes, Djokovic was with his family, holding his daughter and crying. These were tears of joy, pain and a release of emotions which had been tormenting him for years. Most recently, to lose a Wimbledon final for a second time in a row to Carlos Alcarad had shattered him.
From London to Paris, the journey was emotional for him. The Paris Olympics hype was over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. In the end, Djokovic was not ready to be pushed hard by anyone, not losing a set defined his greatness. For those who jump into the GOAT debate – Greatest Of All Time – Djokovic has faced flak. Yes, each champion is unique and special. Be it Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, they are kings. For Djokovic to be abused, humiliated and not get love from fans around the world has been bizarre. In the finale, if the atmosphere in the most holy clay court of the world had to be described, it was like a cauldron.
A few months back, due to crazy scheduling and rain, he had slipped on clay during the French Open and torn his right knee meniscus. For a man who believes in miracles more than medical marvels, he underwent a knee surgery and resumed training so fast. After that, to make the Wimbledon final was mind-blowing, though the grey knee strap still looks out of place. He has still not discarded the strap, it has become like a talisman for him as he soaked in the energy and left Alcaraz clueless in two tie-breaks to win the Paris 2024 Olympics gold medal,
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His win resonates, not just for Serbians and his family and his fans. From Boris Becker to Chris Evert, each former champion has showered lavish praise on Djokovic, the winner of 24 Grand Slam titles. When the Serbian, a total nationalist says “this win means the most” please believe what he is saying. The raw emotions hit you and for each fan who could get a ticket to watch the final, this was history being made. Yes, there will be another Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles. By then, Djokovic will probably be happy narrating stories to his kids of how he conquered the world with his tennis racquet.
He has often hinted, his “days are numbered” in tennis. It is not a lie he is telling millions of fans he cannot face these emotions again and again. It takes a lot to play the four Grand Slams and compete against younger and more energetic champions like Alcaraz. Yes, Djokovic has preserved his body so well and the faith in prayers and many unconventional methods like “spiritual water” for healing may seem gibberish. Djokovic is indeed the most clean athlete you will find and for him to peak at the Olympics has been defining.
A Golden Slam like his is very different from what Steffi Graff achieved in 1988 at the Seoul Olympics. Graf was younger and she was near invincible. In contrast, Djokovic can be beaten. A few Young Turks have knocked him out on various surfaces. He did not enter the Paris 2024 Olympics as the obvious favourite. Just that he would keep winning matches in a clinical way to wear that golden medal around his neck. Camera motors whirred and each lens captured the Djokovic smile with eyes moist.
He craved for this medal so badly. To put an Olympic medal above 24 Majors, that is saying a lot. Paris 2024 has made all tennis fans believe the Super Serb is GOAT. End of the debate.
Also Read: Djokovic completes collection of titles by winning Olympic gold in Paris