In the intense crucible of Olympic competition, dreams are made and shattered in the blink of an eye. On Sunday, Novak Djokovic made his lifelong dream come true in what was his fifth appearance at the Games. “This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling,” the 37-year-old player said after the match. But for Carlos Alcaraz, he had to go back home disappointed. However, a poignant reminder from Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, melted all our hearts!

Djokovic’s wife and his family were present in the stands while the Serbian fought tooth and nail to win his first gold medal in what may have been his last Olympic appearance. But he seemed to channel the Novak Djokovic of 2011, winning rallies he had no business winning. And in what was their seventh encounter, the Serbian ensured Alcaraz’s record of never beating him in two consecutive matches continued. But that’s not to say the 21-year-old didn’t put in a valiant effort, one that Jelena Djokovic couldn’t help but appreciate.

Posting a video of Novak Djokovic’s post-match interview, she wrote on her Instagram story, “Carlos with his team have [an] extraordinary path ahead… Such a talented, hard-working, and full of energy and enthusiasm young man… so much respect 🙏”

In the midst of despair, words of comfort can indeed do wonders, and that is what Jelena did! So did the first-time Olympic champion. In the interview that his wife posted, Nole said, “I told Carlos at the end of the match, ‘Thank you very much for letting me win the gold in what could be the last Olympic Games of my career.’”

At the Olympics, Novak Djokovic had never made it past the last four. The nearest he could reach was winning a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games after he lost to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. And coming into his first gold medal match 16 years later, it looked like another upset may be on the cards for the Serbian, considering the form Alcaraz was in. Let’s not forget the Spaniard was contending for gold at just 21, something Djokovic could only manage at 37.

Reflecting on this, Djokovic continued, “He is so young. Without a doubt, he can win not one but many golds for Spain. He is a very nice person. We have a positive relationship, and I think it is a good thing for our sport.” 

Speaking of winning golds for Spain, perhaps it was necessary for Alcaraz, who felt he “let all the Spanish people down,” to hear these words from Jelena and Novak. You could see how much this match meant to him, how much performing well for his country meant. But after a terrific display of fight and heart, the Spaniard fell just short, losing 7-6(3), 7-6(2). “I feel [the Spanish people] were waiting for the gold medal. I’m really disappointed,” he said after the match, and it was evident when he burst into tears (something he’s almost never done) during his on-court interview.

After composing himself, the 21-year-old managed to see the bigger picture. Talking about his experience of representing Spain, he said, “I don’t think I’ve ever played – or maybe [I have] a few times in my life – on such a high level, intensely for three hours, only two sets. I think I made them proud. I made them believe in a certain way, and I’m proud about the way I represented my flag.” What’s more? He received high praise from his idol (and doubles partner), too!

Rafa Nadal posted a picture of Alcaraz with his silver medal on X and wrote, “Carlos, although I know that today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the entire country, and you will see, over time, that it is for you too. Thank you for this incredible week and for the medal you gave us to Spanish sport. A hug 🙌🏻🥈” [Translated by Google]

Alcaraz, who’s had the summer of his life – winning Wimbledon and the French Open this season – capped it off with a silver medal to his name. This only further reinstated that the four-time Grand Slam champion belongs right where he is – fighting at the top of the field! While he takes an oath to come back even stronger in LA 2028, gunning to win the gold, his opponent, Djokovic, might also be heading in the same direction!

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic endeavors may not be over yet!

In his debut performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Djokovic added a bronze medal to his list of achievements. Sadly, the former World No. 1 had to wait 16 years to bring another medal to Serbia. But if you think this would’ve been his last one, wait till you find out what he said after winning the match. While he may have thanked Alcaraz for letting him win the gold medal in what “could be my last Olympics,” another interview contradicted this statement.

“I want to play in Los Angeles. I enjoy playing for my country in the Olympic Games, in the Davis Cup.” Furthermore, Djokovic, who lost three semifinals at the Olympics earlier, added, “I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today… I knew that this could be my last chance at a gold medal. I did everything I possibly could to prepare myself for this period.”

Surprisingly, this was the first time in his career that he hadn’t won a title so far into a season, but a gold certainly erased any doubts regarding his form. And this came just three weeks after he practically surrendered against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, losing in straight sets. By the time the LA Olympics come around, Djokovic will be 41. But the Serbian continues to prove that age is just a number. After all, he was the one who said he’s excited to see this new generation of tennis rise: Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and himself.