Djokovic calls Olympic gold his 'greatest achievement'

The last time Novak Djokovic was in action, many of his colleagues said he “completed tennis”. The Serbian claimed the men’s singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics, earning the one big title he had not yet captured.

Ahead of the US Open, the 37-year-old made a bold statement regarding how highly that accomplishment ranks among his long list of accolades.

“Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia,” Djokovic said. “Had some heartbreaking losses at the Olympic Games, worked very hard to try to get myself in a position to fight for gold. And at 37 I thought, I don't know, could this be the last chance? Maybe. So I had to push more than ever, than I have ever done.”

Djokovic explained that his effort in Paris was one of the best performances, throughout the entire tournament, he had produced in years.

“Of course in the finals against Carlos, it was kind of a dream scenario really having my wife and children there, the entire nation watching. Just a very proud moment of experiencing the golden medal around my neck with Serbian anthem and Serbian flag. Very, very special. Probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court,” Djokovic said. “I was saying that carrying the flag, being a flagbearer for my country, opening [the Olympic] Games in 2012 in London at the Olympic Games, was the best feeling I had overall in my professional career, surpassed every Slam that I won, until I won the gold medal.

“I think the moment of when I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of trying, the journey, that was the way it was, I think makes it even more unique.”

Djokovic has not played since his memorable triumph in Paris, but he will try to hit the ground running in New York, where he is defending champion. The four-time US Open titlist is trying to become the first man to successfully defend the Flushing Meadows trophy since Roger Federer won it in five consecutive years from 2004 through 2008.

“I didn't know about that. I knew it was probably the case for five, ten years, but I didn't know it was that long. Hopefully that changes this year. I mean, that's the goal. The goal is always for me to try to go all the way to the finals and fight for the trophy. That kind of mindset or approach is no different for me this year,” Djokovic said. “People would ask me, now that you have basically won everything with the gold medal, what else is there to win?

“I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the Tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis. Those are some of the reasons why I still keep on going. Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They are the most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don't get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it's hard to do that anywhere else.”

The 99-time tour-level titlist feels good about his game and what he has achieved in recent years, but admitted he needs to be “a bit more selective” about his scheduling.

“I have to be a bit more selective in my strategy of calendar and how I pick and choose events and where I want to be at my prime and play the best tennis,” Djokovic said. :So when it comes to that, it's Grand Slams and representing my country. That's what actually motivates me the most. That's what drives me the most still. Yeah, that's related to the on-court, I guess, competition-driven motivation.”

There is no doubt the Serbian will be motivated to earn his 25th major over the coming fortnight in New York. Djokovic has won at least one Grand Slam tournament in 12 of the past 13 years and is trying to make it 13 of 14. He will face Moldovan Radu Albot on opening night Monday.

“US Open is a slam that holds the biggest tennis court in the world, tennis stadium. Night sessions at US Open are very famous, most famous in our sport,” Djokovic said. “I'm going to play my first match here Monday night, so I can't wait to be under the lights. The noise, the energy of the stadium is just different from anything else. I look forward to it.”

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