Imagine being one of the greatest at your job, consistently inching closer to grand success but never quite getting there. It would sting, wouldn’t it? Now, imagine that success finally arrives toward the tail end of your career, just when you’re appearing at the grand event for probably the last time. This is precisely the story of tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The Serbian has spent years at the pinnacle of tennis, his name synonymous with skill, determination, and relentless pursuit. He’s come so close so many times, only to see victory slip through his fingers at the Olympics. But, the “almosts” are now getting over!

The Serbian Maestro, despite being titleless so far this season, is on a sensational run. After bagging the runners-up trophy at Wimbledon. Nole is into the finals of the Paris Olympics after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. For the unversed, this is the first time in his career that the Serb would be playing in the Olympic finals. And he cannot control his emotions.

Soon after the match, Djokovic as seen breaking down as he fell on the ground crying. The moment was not just emotional for the Serbian Maestro but for each of his fans who wished to see him win big at probably the final Olympics of his career. Since the 37-year-old will turn 41 when the next Olympics are played, it is highly unlikely for him to continue his performance. Meanwhile, he has made his aspirations clear for the finals.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic expressed his happiness of winning in the semifinals. “I’ve been waiting for this for almost 20 years.” Continuing further, he shared his plans for the next match. “First time that I managed to get past SF. I won’t stop here, I’ll go for the gold medal. I brought medal to my country!” Nole said after the match.

Djokovic won the bronze medal at the Olympics in 2008. But as he plays the final against Carlos Alcaraz, he is set to improve his records, with either silver or gold now. This, however, is not the first time when Djokovic opened up about his Olympic aspiration. 

The World No. 2 said in April this year that he wants to play his best at the Paris Olympics. “It’s all about building my game for clay courts,” Djokovic shared. “I want to reach my peak for Paris – that’s where I want to play my best tennis.” And it feels like he has fulfilled his desire. Djokovic’s dominance was also reflected by tennis experts as well.

When former pro warned of Djokovic’s dominance

Two weeks after Nole went for surgery on his right knee, Djokovic was seen hitting the court again. In a video that he shared on his Instagram handle, the Serb was seen preparing for the upcoming ventures of the season. Former World No. 4 Greg Rusedski had then warned the players of Nole’s return. 

Speaking at a ‘Pickleball Slam’ event in Kingston-upon-Thames, Rusedski said that the tennis legend should not be ruled out of contention for the upcoming tournaments. “I think it’s [Sinner vs Alcaraz] going to be the rivalry for the future. They’re one and two in the world, Sinner’s No. 1 – but don’t discount Novak Djokovic.” He said that he faced similar challenges but believed in Djokovic’s resilience.

“A meniscus tear, I had one myself this year and I’m older, so it took me a while to get over it, but he might be back in time for the Olympics and I hear he’s super hungry, he wants to play for a few more years.” Elaborating further, he emphasized the potential that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has. “Don’t discount Novak – let’s not forget that last year he won three of the four majors and was in the final of Wimbledon.”

And as the ‘hungry’ tennis legend gears up for the Olympic finals, it would be interesting to see if he can avenge his Wimbledon defeat against Alcaraz and win the Gold in Paris.