This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Novak Djokovic more than ever before.
From a shaky start where he lost unexpected matches to his well-deserved tennis gold medal in Paris.
Nole has demonstrated tremendous physical and mental strength to overcome everything and everyone.
Since undergoing surgery on June 5 to treat the injury he sustained at Roland Garros, few believed in his swift recovery.
But just a month later, he was back on the grass at Wimbledon, finishing in second place, only to be surpassed by the great Carlos Alcaraz.
He then exacted his revenge on the French clay courts, capping his professional career with an Olympic gold medal. What lies ahead for Nole?
What are his hopes and motivations from now on? Are his goals realistic?
When he thought there could be nothing greater than carrying his country’s flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, Novak was mistaken.
“In 2012, I thought there couldn’t be anything greater than carrying my country’s flag,” said the Serbian.
“That was the best feeling of my life until I won the gold. This surpasses anything imaginable.
“Now, at 37, having defeated a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, I think I have reached the peak of my career.
“This sport has given me everything in life, and now I’m just trying to give back with the dedication and sacrifice I put on the court.”
The winner of 24 Grand Slam titles has battled with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal over the years, and now must contend with Carlos Alcaraz.
But after achieving the one thing missing from his resume – the Olympic gold – he confesses to having doubts about his motivation to continue.
“It’s complete,” Djokovic said. “I’ve achieved everything I wanted with this gold, but I love this sport. I don’t just play to win tournaments, I play because I love to compete, train, and perfect my skills.
“This sport has given me everything in life, and now I’m just trying to give back with the dedication and sacrifice I put on the court when no one is watching. I train as much as any young player, and this success is no accident.”
The Serbian appears cautious, selective, and approaches the future with the prudence that comes from having achieved everything possible in the world of tennis.
That’s why it’s a time for reflection, and he leaves the door open to retirement: “I don’t know what the future holds. I’ve worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get here. Now it’s time to celebrate, time to enjoy.”
Last week, it was announced that Nole will head to the US Open without competing in Cincinnati, where he has already won three times.
The transition from the Olympics to the American tournament without competing in any other event will be the litmus test for Novak Djokovic’s future aspirations and will determine where we stand in this beautiful fairy tale.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
