Novak Djokovic is one of Serbia’s biggest sports stars in their history. With 20 Grand Slam victories, the World No. 1 is often in the same conversation as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when fans question who is the greatest tennis player of all time.
At the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, however, the 34-year-old shed the spotlight on a fellow Serbian athlete. Djokovic took to Twitter to congratulate Taekwondo athlete Milica Mandic for clinching her second Olympic gold medal earlier today.
Novak Djokovic congratulates Milica Mandic for securing Serbia’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 29-year-old started her quest for gold with a dominant 13-0 win over Kenya’s Faith Ogallo in the Round of 16. However, she faced greater challenges in the quarterfinal against Aleksandra Kowalczuk (11-4) and the semifinal against Althea Laurin (7-5).
Her final opponent, South Korea’s Dabin Lee, scored more points in her three matches prior to the final. However, Mandic didn’t let that statistic faze her as she won Serbia’s first gold medal in Tokyo with the scoreline reading 10-7.
After the match, Djokovic shared the reactions of his Serbian teammates, who were watching Mandic’s performance on TV.
Milica’s #gold moment.. unforgettable #SRB #Tokyo2020 #идемооо pic.twitter.com/qyInddound
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) July 27, 2021
In addition, he also congratulated the Taekwondo athlete by retweeting the Olympics’ official tweet announcing her victory.
MILICA 🥇🇷🇸🔥🔥🔥🔥 #SRB #Tokyo2020 #Olympics https://t.co/TNfHjVWP6Z
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) July 27, 2021
With this victory, Mandic replicated her success from the 2012 London Olympics to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist. And being just 29 years old, she could make another appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics to defend her crown.
READ MORE: ?One With Most Photos?: Luka Doncic Insinuates Novak Djokovic as the ?Star? of Tokyo Olympics 2020
Can Djokovic add another gold medal to Serbia’s tally?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The World No. 1 is the outright favorite in the Men’s singles tournament at the Games. Although he only has one Olympic bronze medal in his career, he looks most likely to better that result in Tokyo.
Along with a gold medal, Djokovic is also chasing a rare Golden Slam after winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He will take on Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round tomorrow. However, the Serbian will also take part in the mixed doubles with Nina Stojanovic. The pair will take on Brazil’s Marcelo Melo and Luisa Stefani in their first-round match tomorrow.
WATCH STORY: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Other Emotional Moments at Olympic Games