The last 3 months must have been the most tumultuous period for Novak Djokovic. However, the result of the struggles and adversity faced was in front of everyone at the final on the Red Clay. At the end of the battle, both Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, both were shaking, as they teared up: one in happiness, the other in misery. However, the shockwaves didn’t stop when they smiled as they stood on the podium to collect their medals. It has traveled far-reaching corners in the tennis circuit, including Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Pauline Annacone.

Djokovic had one major aim in addition to the Grand Slam: to claim the Olympic gold. The moment he won the grueling match, saving 8 breakpoints in just two sets, it was mission accomplished. Perhaps the whole world was waiting for Djokovic to win, as after 16 years, it was too long to wait for it, and Djokovic knew it. However, as the elusive gold is now resting easy with the Serb, Federer’s coach has praised Djokovic’s special day as “fifth time’s a charm,” at August 5th episode of the Tennis Channel Live Podcast.

Annacone was in awe of the Serbian ace’s patience and zeal as he struggled through a lot to stand at the top. Djokovic must have understood the Olympic symbol by heart, as “Just like the rings, it took him 5 to get the gold. And that there is something special.” It’s special because he never relented, even for a second, and stood tall in the wait for the right moment to come. Annacone further remarked, “It’s hard to imagine what he has been able to do, it’s really difficult to comprehend, everything he has done, everything he has won, the adversity he has faced particularly in the last 3 months to play out a match like today.”

The saga started at the French Open when Djokovic’s knee troubled him on the clay courts of Paris at the French Open. He opted out and rushed to the surgical table to get his knee sorted. What followed was a hushed and hurried 20-day recovery and a devastating Wimbledon defeat. But now all these moments feel like a step of his Olympics ladder, to get him ready for the upcoming battle on the same court, which he left prematurely back in June. Life has come to a full circle for the Serb. But Annacone has a better analogy to share.

He said, “It looked like a video game tennis between these two. It was amazing stuff. Novak felt he needs to get a little bit more on offensive, and he did what he has done for so many years, play bigger points a little bit better.” This strategy has certainly come handy in winning 24 Grand Slam and 2 Olympic medals, including the coveted Gold. However, in the emotional moment Djokovic didn’t forget to thank God before rushing to his family right after.

Djokovic thanks the Almighty after historic win at Paris Olympics

Before the Olympics began, Djokovic was seen standing in front of the medals displayed. And what he did next was not out of order for the devout Christian. He looked upwards with folded hands. Now coming back to the scenes on the court, right after winning the Gold match point, he was shaking with emotions, before standing up making a cross sign looking at the sky, and then bowing down on the court that completed his collection. The moment was shared by the tennis fan with the caption:

“Novak Djokovic, a devout Orthodox Christian, gets down on his hands and knees to thank God after his victory at the Paris Olympics. ✝️🥇 The Serbian tennis champion, has won his first Olympic gold medal, after competing in 5 separate Olympic Games.” After thanking God for helping him get through everything, Djokovic rushed to his family and team. They celebrated the victory with tears in their eyes and smiles on their lips.

Federer’s ex-coach is somewhere right in saying that it’s hard to believe what he has achieved today, at 37 years of age and 5 Olympics appearances. It’s certainly a godly miracle combined with Djokovic’s hard work!