Novak Djokovic dispatched Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympics gold medal match.
According to Serbian outlet Kurir, Djokovic has won £172,000 after his country’s government ring-fenced the amount for all their gold medal athletes. But instead of pocketing the cash, he will give it to ‘those who need it the most’.
Djokovic, who was sent an apology by Eurosport earlier this week after the television station placed a Croatia flag next to his name on screen in error, took to Instagram after the Olympics final to pay tribute to Alcaraz.
“A quick shoutout to @carlitosalcarazz. Another epic final, my friend. El classico,” wrote the veteran. 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, gracious in defeat, then replied by penning: “Thank you titan! Can’t wait to the next one.”
Djokovic has also won 10 Australian Open titles and seven Wimbledon trophies, while tasting success at the US Open on four occasions and clinching the French Open three times. And he was full of emotion in the immediate aftermath of his Olympics victory as he was quizzed about the achievement.
“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” he explained.
“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.”
And after being asked if he had competed tennis, the ace revealed: “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.
“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.”
