The 2024 season has been a strange one for Novak Djokovic. Despite having an inconsistent year marred by injuries, the Serb won’t be completely dissatisfied with his achievements this year. A few months back, he won his maiden gold medal at the Olympic Games, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the summit clash in Paris to clinch the elusive prize. Months after winning one of the biggest titles of his career, it still resonates in the thoughts of Djokovic.

Unfortunately, the Serb had to pull out of the ATP Finals due to his knee injury. It is the same issue that led to Djokovic pulling out of the French Open midway. Giving an update about his fitness and plans for the upcoming season, the 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared in an interview with the Serbian media earlier this week.

During that conversation, Djokovic also mentioned that he wishes to play in the Davis Cup next season and represent his country. He also talked about his Olympic gold medal, stating, “The medal hasn’t worn off yet. I didn’t wear it around enough apparently. I’ve seen pictures that some of the medals have worn off, but mine is the same. Although, that bronze from China hasn’t changed either. Nothing.”

Soon after the Olympic Games in Paris, there was a lot of talk about the quality of medals. Apparently, several athletes complained that their medals started wearing off. USA skateboarder Nyjah Huston revealed the starkly different condition of his medal just days after winning it at the Paris Olympic Games, saying, “They’re [the Olympic medals] apparently not as high quality as you’d think. It’s looking rough. I don’t know, Olympic medals, we gotta step up the quality a little bit. The medal [is] looking like it went to war and back.”

However, Djokovic is content with the quality of the medal that he won, both in Paris as well as in Beijing. While Djokovic has had several memorable victories in his career, the win in Paris stands out from the rest.

Paris Olympic win has a special place in the heart of Novak Djokovic

In what was potentially his final appearance at the Olympics, Djokovic was aiming to win the gold medal which he had never won in his illustrious career. The Serbian legend lived up to his dream and defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling summit clash to win the Olympic title. Subsequently, he ranked this victory over any other win in his career.

Djokovic said, “Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia. Had some heartbreaking losses at the Olympic Games, worked very hard to try to get myself in a position to fight for gold. And at 37 I thought, I don’t know, could this be the last chance? Maybe. So I had to push more than ever, than I have ever done.”

With Djokovic ending his season early, he is confident of recovering well ahead of the start of the next season. Moreover, he has aimed to play in the first week of the upcoming season, with tennis still very much on his agenda.