“Silver, he’ll be happy, but he wants the gold.”- said Brett Connors, highlighting Novak Djokovic’s desperate quest to win the only remaining honor from his illustrious career. Djokovic already stands at the top with 24 Grand Slam, he is seeded No.1 in Paris, so why does an Olympic Gold have the Serbian Ace on his toes? Does the Grand Slam come a level down in the hierarchy, or it’s just the quest to stand on the same platform as the other Big 3 players? Andy Roddick has something to say about Djokovic’s Olympics dilemma.

Roger Federer has an Olympic gold medal tucked safely in his cabinet. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has two gold medals to boast about. Though Djokovic’s medal cabinet certainly has an Olympic medal, the color is bronze. And this year maybe he would turn the fortunes around for his nation and himself. But as he battles at the clay courts of Paris, Roddick has just one thing to say about the Serb’s ambition on his Podcast, Served: “Novak is obsessed with it.” Why?

“Because he hasn’t won a gold medal yet. And he feels like he needs that for his resume.”- remarked Roddick. Would not having an Olympic Gold affect Djokovic’s greatness in the tennis circuit? Maybe not. The Serb has done more than enough to prove his mettle time and again. However, the Olympics are considered the greatest stage which supports the greatest of every sport together. And standing on the top of the podium at the magnificent tournament is something that Djokovic might want to experience. However, there have been contrasting opinions on whether the Olympics are ranked above the Grand Slam.

When this question was put to the young American, Coco Gauff, she said, “I would say sure, singles Grand Slam is number 1 thing/ goals. Actually, I would pick the Olympics medal for me personally over the number 1 ranking. At least a gold medal.” But Nadal’s view was quite the opposite: “Winning Beijing in 2008 was bigger than winning a Grand Slam. You feel part of something bigger. The feeling of returning with a medal to the Villa is unforgettable.”

That might somewhat explain Djokovic’s “obsession” as Roddick puts it, for the Gold. And he is ready to go to any lengths to ensure that the elusive medal is in his grasp. Even reciting his prayers to God when in doubt.

When Djokovic leveraged his God connection against Nadal for Olympic glory

“Rafa belongs to Paris, and Paris is Rafa’s,” said Chef Marc Riviere as Paris gets ready for Nadal’s last dance. After winning 14 Grand Slam titles on the clay court, the Spaniard is accepted as one of Parisians. Hence, when it’s time to say goodbye, they rally behind him as they support him, in hopes of delaying his retirement. And Djokovic couldn’t take any chance when he knows that the force stands behind Nadal, even when his fitness might be failing him.

Before the start of the tennis tournament in Paris, Djokovic was seen standing in front of the Olympic medal and joining his hands in prayers to the Almighty. And the prayers continued on the tennis court too. Back in 2011, Djokovic had said, “…before being an athlete, I am an Orthodox Christian,” and was seen wearing the cross. The same cross was seen again, this time at the 2024 Paris Olympics against Nadal, a known atheist.

Well, Novak Djokovic maybe “Obsessed”, or just want to complete his collection, the elusive medal has taken over 16 years to come into the Serbian’s sight. Hopefully, he wouldn’t let it go this time.

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