Novak Djokovic’s achievements ‘absolutely mind-boggling’, says former French Open champion
Novak Djokovic is unlikely to retire any time soon despite completing his CV with his gold medal at the Paris Olympics with former world No 2 Michael Chang saying his achievements at 37 are “phenomenal”.
Following a historic 2023 season that saw him move to a record 24 Grand Slams – two clear of Rafael Nadal and four ahead of Roger Federer – and also set a new record for most weeks at No 1, Djokovic achieved his lifelong ambition of winning gold for Serbia in the singles at the Olympics.
By defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match at Roland Garros, Djokovic became only the fifth player in history to complete the career Golden Slam [winning all four majors and singles gold at the Olympics].
What made his run in Paris even more special was the fact that he kicked off the tournament with major uncertainty as he struggled with form and injury in the months preceding the Games.
Djokovic – who didn’t win any tournaments in the first seven months of the year – underwent knee surgery in June and many questioned whether or not he was still able to match youngsters like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
But he went on to win the Olympics without dropping a set and left 1989 French Open winner Chang speechless.
“What Novak is doing, and what he has done, is mind-boggling. Absolutely mind-boggling,” he said on the AO Show’s The Sit-Down podcast.
“Even these past few months. For him to play at the French, get surgery immediately after his last match there, and then to go and to play and get to the finals of Wimbledon is one thing.
“But then to come back and beat Alcaraz, on clay, at the Olympics, at Roland Garros, I mean, I have no words for it. It’s just incredible, and he’s doing it at 37 years old.
“It’s just phenomenal.”
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With Olympic gold now on his CV, some believe Djokovic will call it a day in the near future although the 24-time Grand Slam winner himself has suggested he wants to play at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Chang feels Djokovic will stick around for a few more years.
“I’m not sure Novak’s going to stop yet, actually. Actually I don’t think he’s going to ever stop. What he’s done is just absolutely incredible,” the American said.
“We’ve had this generation of players; Roger, Rafa is winding his career down, Andy just retired, Serena retired not that long ago. I mean, you’ve got these incredible players.
“And thankfully, we’ve got great young talent that are able to take their place, and they’re doing a great job. I mean, how can you not enjoy watching Alcaraz out there? He’s winning, but he’s smiling at the same time. Jannik Sinner is just an incredible talent, very humble, and has got all the different kinds of shots.
“So how do you not enjoy watching this new generation kind of grow and mature and really start to take their place?”
