The 2024 Olympics have gifted us something we have been missing for a long time: Novak Djokovic‘s raw emotions on the red clay after winning his first gold medal! The Serbian star wrapped up a nail-biting clash against Carlos Alcaraz in his favor, extending a 4-3 lead over the Spaniard while making his long-lost dream of winning a gold medal come true. Moreover, his quick run to her daughter Tara after melted almost all of our hearts, except maybe a few. But worry not! Andy Roddick, Djokovic’s old rival, is ready to stand as a pillar for his friend!

Marking an end to his 16 years of searching for another medal at the Olympics, the 37-year-old Serbian added a gold medal to his list, finally completing his career golden slam! “This is probably the biggest Sporting success I ever had and the most special feeling,“ Djokovic said after the match. But before everything, he ran to give a tight hug to his daughter, Tara, who sat there in the stands, watching her father create history for their nation! While his intimate moment with Tara was adorable, some found a reason to troll and be angry at the Serbian tennis pro, referring to that moment! 

At least that’s what Andy Roddick hinted at during his 6th August episode of the podcast, “Served.” While describing the emotional moment between Djokovic and his family, Roddick stated, “If you can’t appreciate that you should just retire from watching sports and like forever I don’t care about like I care about respect right if you’re a fan that is on Twitter you know ripping on Novak then you’re you don’t deserve to watch tennis.” 

When asked by his co-host who is doing that, the former U.S. Open champion, said, “It’s some loser. You can like someone more. Someone else can also be great and if that scene doesn’t pull your heartstrings..I don’t care I don’t need you to agree with someone’s life decisions to respect greatness when it’s staring you right in the face. And to appreciate it meaning something to someone simple, that scene was… I haven’t seen him that emotional for a long time.”

Djokovic, who fell to his knees and sobbed on Court Phillippe Chatrier after winning, has previously admitted that he wants to perform his best and win tournaments with his children Stefan (son) and Tara watching him from the stands. Earlier this year, we heard the Serbian star regretfully adding that he wants to spend more time with his children and that staying away from them “hurts” him daily when he is away. 

Subsequently, the tennis world noticed his wife, Jelena, and his children quite a few times in the stands while he played this season, be it at the Wimbledon or the Olympics. But even then, his special moments with his children became the subject of criticism! A similar event happened during his clash with Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympics, too!

When Novak Djokovic faced criticism for his violin act at the Olympics

When one is playing a historical match on the greatest platform of tennis, a little push and motivation from loved ones go a long way. Djokovic, who played his 60th match against Nadal at the Olympics, needed it too! It may be one of the reasons why he was able to claim his victory over the Spaniard comfortably! After the win, the 24-time grand slam champion celebrated by playing violin with his racquet, paying a special tribute to his daughter who has been taking violin lessons all summer. 

But some fans and a news publication (Sports Illustrated) were quick to point it out as a mode of disrespect to his opponent Nadal during his moment after the loss! Nevertheless, fans came to his rescue and said that it was the moment for the winner and he should celebrate it properly. Another fan said that anyone irritated by the Djoker needs to find something bigger to focus upon. 

There is no doubt that, champion or not, one can never satisfy all his fans. But if Djokovic continues to have his friend, Andy Roddick, back him up now and then, probably, Djokovic will not have to worry!