Mark Petchey has dubbed Novak Djokovic the ‘Golden GOAT’ after his big win at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Djokovic had declared that winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics was his top goal for 2024, as it was the only major title missing from his collection.
This achievement would complete what many consider to be the greatest tennis career ever. It seemed like a distant dream just weeks ago.
Carlos Alcaraz had defeated him easily in Wimbledon’s final. Djokovic, at 37, was still recovering from knee surgery and hadn’t had a great year so far.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| rs Novak Djokovic | 37 | 8,360 | 18 - 6 |
Epic Comeback:
But then magic happened. He won against all odds, facing off with the world’s best player at that moment. Mark Petchey found this victory extraordinary and coined a new nickname for Djokovic – ‘Golden GOAT’.
“The Golden GOAT – say it quietly! I’ve always gone for the greatest of this era, but my goodness me, that was something else,” Petchey remarked.
Fans might think this is another proof of Djokovic’s greatness.
Petchey wasn’t just impressed by the win itself but by how Djokovic managed it despite everything being against him. He called him a phenomenal player who triumphs when it matters most.
“He’s not just a phenomenal tennis player – which of course he is… You can’t just be a mental giant, you can’t just be a physical beast, you also have to be an amazing tennis player.”
“I personally think what Novak did on Sunday was his greatest ever achievement… coming back five times, wanting to win it… he has climbed every single summit.”
There’s little left for Djokovic to conquer in tennis now. Yet he’s still driven and plans to keep playing; he even aims to compete in Los Angeles in 2028!
What do you think about Djokovic’s latest triumph?