Throughout his sparkling career, Djokovic has collected an impressive 24 Grand Slam titles and stormed into the Paris final without losing a single set. Having been defeated by Alcaraz in last month's Wimbledon showdown, the 37-year-old was not the favorite to win the prestigious event. However, he delivered a stunning performance on the Roland Garros court to win the match 7-6, 7-6.
Serbian outlet Kurir reports, via the Express, that Djokovic's victory has netted him £172,000, as his country's government had set aside this sum for all their gold medal winners. But instead of pocketing the cash, he intends to donate it to "those who need it the most."
Djokovic also demonstrated his sportsmanship by reassuring Alcaraz of his future gold medal prospects at the net post-match. He later took to Instagram to praise him once more, reports the Mirror . "A quick shoutout to @carlitosalcarazz. Another epic final, my friend. El classico," the veteran wrote.
"Congratulations to you and your team for an excellent Olympics. Considering your age, your energy, and the way you play, you probably have 20 more Olympics ahead of you. Your gold will come. Until next time, amigo."
Alcaraz reacted, saying: "Thank you titan! Can't wait to the next one." After clinching an Olympic victory on top of his 10 Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon victories, four US Open wins and three French Open titles, Djokovic was notably touched.
He reflected: "Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would. Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had."
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When probed about whether he's now 'completed' tennis, Djokovic responded: "Yes it's complete, because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but no because I love this sport. I don't play only to win the tournaments."
Regarding his future, Djokovic shared: "I don't know about the future, I really want to be in the present moment to celebrate. It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal. So now it's about happiness, joy, and celebration."
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