Novak Djokovic's Olympic Gold Medal Win
- Djokovic won the Olympic gold medal in tennis, a significant achievement completing his career.
- The podcast hosts discuss their reactions and the importance of this victory for Djokovic.
"Novak Djokovic has won the gold medal in straight sets, two tiebreaks."
- Djokovic won the final match in straight sets, both of which were tiebreaks, highlighting his clutch performance under pressure.
"I did not want Novak Djokovic to win the gold medal. I did not want him to be able to say he's completed tennis and won everything."
- One host expresses initial reluctance for Djokovic to win, acknowledging the completeness of Djokovic's career achievements with this win.
"It was just an outpour of something that's been held inside me for a long time."
- The emotional release from one host signifies the personal investment and anticipation surrounding Djokovic's journey to this victory.
The Match Analysis
- Djokovic's match against Alcaraz was closely contested despite the straight-set victory.
- Both sets were decided by tiebreaks, showcasing the high level of competition.
"Despite it being straight sets, we can see here he beat Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6, but it doesn't quite tell the story."
- The close scoreline in both sets indicates the competitive nature of the match, with Alcaraz pushing Djokovic to his limits.
"In big finals, I think Alcaraz has only lost twice, and both of them being to Novak Djokovic."
- Alcaraz's record in big finals against Djokovic highlights Djokovic's dominance in crucial moments.
Djokovic's Motivation and Mental Strength
- Djokovic's motivation and mental strength are key factors in his success, especially in high-stakes matches.
- His ability to perform under pressure and his drive to complete his career achievements are emphasized.
"When he has something which is the biggest motivation for him, his main goal, he puts everything into it and it's difficult for him then to lose."
- Djokovic's focus and dedication to his goals make him exceptionally difficult to beat when highly motivated.
"Even getting to the final, you saw how much it meant to Novak Djokovic. He fell on his back."
- Djokovic's reaction to reaching the final demonstrates the emotional and physical investment he puts into achieving his goals.
Career Achievements and Legacy
- Djokovic's career achievements are discussed, highlighting his dominance across all surfaces and formats.
- The significance of the Olympic gold medal in cementing his legacy is noted.
"This is the first tournament he's won this year. He's not looked great at all, and you can say maybe part of that is how much motivation has he got."
- Djokovic's fluctuating performance throughout the year is attributed to varying levels of motivation, with the Olympics being a primary goal.
"Nobody can ever say he never got a gold medal at the Olympics. He's now got a bronze and a gold, 20 years separating the two."
- The Olympic gold medal completes Djokovic's career achievements, addressing a potential gap in his legacy.
Comparison with Other Tennis Greats
- Djokovic's achievements are compared to other tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
- The discussion includes the unique aspects of Djokovic's career and his place in tennis history.
"Rafa Nadal was the one who said winning the Olympics meant more to him than winning a Grand Slam."
- Nadal's perspective on the importance of the Olympics underscores the significance of Djokovic's achievement.
"Novak Djokovic has completed tennis. He does it on all the surfaces as well."
- Djokovic's versatility and success across different surfaces and formats highlight his comprehensive dominance in the sport.
Future of Tennis and Emerging Players
- The potential for future players to reach Djokovic's level is discussed, with a focus on Carlos Alcaraz and other emerging talents.
- The unique mental and motivational aspects of Djokovic's career are considered irreplaceable.
"Right now, Carlos Alcaraz reaches the levels of Novak Djokovic, but that's not what makes Novak Djokovic so special."
- While Alcaraz and others may reach similar technical levels, Djokovic's mental strength and hunger for titles set him apart.
"What Djokovic has is that hunger and desire to keep winning titles and collecting them all, and I think that's something which we're never going to see ever again."
- Djokovic's relentless pursuit of titles and records is seen as a unique aspect of his career that may not be replicated by future players.
Novak Djokovic's Resilience and Achievements
- Novak Djokovic's persistence and hunger to succeed despite injuries, setbacks, and bans from events make him a standout athlete.
- His tennis ability is matched by other players, but his resilience and motivation set him apart.
- Djokovic's ability to beat top players who are significantly younger than him, even with physical limitations, is remarkable.
- Djokovic's performance against Carlos Alcaraz was exceptional, showcasing some of his best tennis in recent years.
"He has this hunger to be able to still go out and prove people wrong to go and win in these kind of circumstances, and that is what makes him such a great athlete."
- Djokovic's unyielding desire to overcome challenges is a key factor in his success.
"The level he played today was up there with some of the best tennis I've seen him play in recent years."
- Djokovic's recent performance highlights his enduring skill and competitive spirit.
Djokovic as a Role Model
- Djokovic is seen as a role model for young players due to his strong principles and resilience.
- He stands up for himself and does not conform to societal norms, maintaining his integrity despite media and crowd opposition.
- His ability to remain positive and perform well under pressure makes him an inspirational figure.
"He's such a great athlete, he's a role model, an athlete to really look towards if you are a young player on tour."
- Djokovic's principles and resilience make him a valuable example for aspiring athletes.
"He doesn't get downbeat when the media sort of turns on him and the crowd turns on him; he's taken all of that in his stride and he still comes up smelling like roses."
- Djokovic's ability to handle criticism and adversity while maintaining high performance is commendable.
Djokovic's Aspirations and Olympic Goals
- Djokovic aims to compete in the LA Olympics in 2028, showcasing his long-term motivation and optimism.
- His recent statements highlight the significance of his achievements and his continuous drive to succeed.
"I read on X that Nole wants to play the LA Olympics in 2028... after seeing that, I mean, anything is possible if he puts his mind to it."
- Djokovic's goal to compete in future Olympics demonstrates his enduring ambition and belief in his capabilities.
"The fact I won the bronze at the first Olympics and ever since failed to win a medal, this is probably the biggest sporting success I've had in my career."
- Djokovic values his Olympic achievements highly, considering them among his greatest successes.
The Prestige of Grand Slams vs. Olympic Medals
- While Grand Slams are considered the pinnacle of tennis, Olympic medals hold significant emotional and historical value.
- The debate between the importance of Grand Slams and Olympic medals reflects differing perspectives on athletic achievements.
"Despite what Nadal said and despite what Djokovic is saying today, the biggest achievement in tennis will always be a Grand Slam."
- Grand Slams are viewed as the ultimate test for tennis players due to the level of competition and match format.
"To have a gold medal in whatever discipline it is and whatever sport is something you'll always remember and which you'll always gain respect for in my eyes."
- Olympic medals are seen as prestigious and memorable achievements that garner respect.
Djokovic's Legacy and Comparison with Other Greats
- Djokovic is often compared to other tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
- His statistical achievements and records make him one of the greatest players in tennis history.
- Djokovic's ability to break records and surpass his peers in various metrics solidifies his legacy.
"I think it's safe to say Djokovic won the competition of the guy who ended at the top as the greatest, the guy who broke all the records."
- Djokovic's record-breaking achievements establish him as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
"Djokovic has completed tennis. So you've got the 15 biggest tournaments in tennis, Djokovic has won each and every one."
- Djokovic's comprehensive victories in major tournaments highlight his dominance in the sport.
Challenges for Nadal and Federer
- Nadal and Federer face challenges in completing certain major tournament victories due to age and physical limitations.
- The likelihood of Nadal or Federer achieving the same level of comprehensive success as Djokovic is low.
"Nadal's currently missing three... Federer retired missing three as well."
- Both Nadal and Federer have notable gaps in their major tournament victories compared to Djokovic.
"Rafa will never win any of them three, Federer certainly won't, and Djokovic will be the only man in history to ever complete it all."
- Djokovic's unique achievement of winning all major tournaments sets him apart from Nadal and Federer.
Olympic Tennis Challenges and Achievements
- Olympic Tennis Rarity: The Olympics present a unique challenge as they occur only every four years, unlike other tournaments that happen annually.
- Uncertainty of Future Participation: Injuries and unforeseen circumstances can prevent players from participating in future Olympics, making each opportunity critical.
- Historical Significance: Winning an Olympic gold medal is a significant achievement, often seen as the pinnacle of a player's career.
"The Olympics is every four years, and who's to say in four years time Alcaraz is not having an injury at that time? He may have to play his next one in eight years."
- Highlights the uncertainty and rarity of competing in the Olympics.
"If Alcaraz was able to win that today, he would be the youngest ever gold medalist in tennis and he would have ticked off the hardest one to get, I believe."
- Emphasizes the historical significance and difficulty of winning an Olympic gold medal in tennis.
Djokovic's Historic Win
- Last Opportunity: Djokovic's recent win was seen as his last realistic chance to secure an Olympic gold medal.
- Age and Performance: There is skepticism about Djokovic winning a gold medal at an older age due to the physical demands of the sport.
- Fan Reactions: Djokovic's victory was celebrated by his fans, who had been waiting for this moment for over a decade.
"This is the last opportunity for him to get this gold medal. If he doesn't get it today, it's never happening."
- Indicates the urgency and significance of this particular Olympic event for Djokovic.
"Every Djokovic fan out there, their dreams were answered today. They all came true."
- Reflects the emotional and celebratory reactions of Djokovic's fanbase.
The GOAT Race and Nadal
- Gold Medal as a Milestone: The Olympic gold medal was a crucial element in the debate over the greatest tennis player of all time (GOAT).
- Defeating Nadal: Djokovic's victory over Nadal at the Olympics added to the significance of his achievement.
- Comprehensive Victory: Djokovic did not drop a set throughout the tournament, showcasing his dominance.
"The one thing that they were clinging on to was the gold medal, wasn't it? That was the one thing."
- Highlights the importance of the Olympic gold medal in the GOAT debate.
"He not only beat Rafa in straight sets, he beat Alcaraz in straight sets as well. It's not a bad way to finish up this Olympics, is it?"
- Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Djokovic's victory.
- Emotional Impact: Alcaraz felt significant pressure representing his country, leading to an emotional reaction after his loss.
- Acknowledgment of Djokovic's Skill: Alcaraz recognized Djokovic's superior play in crucial moments.
- Future Uncertainty: Alcaraz expressed uncertainty about future Olympic opportunities due to the infrequent nature of the event.
"It's painful to lose the way I lost this match. I had my chances to probably be up in the match. I couldn't take it."
- Reflects Alcaraz's disappointment and the close nature of the match.
"I'm proud of the way I played today. Fighting for Spain was everything to me."
- Shows Alcaraz's pride in his performance and the emotional weight of representing his country.
Match Analysis
- Close Contest: The match was highly competitive, with numerous breakpoint opportunities and close sets.
- Djokovic's Best Performance: The match was considered Djokovic's best performance in two years.
- Strategic Play: Both players showcased high-level strategies, including effective drop shots and powerful forehands.
"It was 7-6, 7-6, and if you go to the point by point, you see how many breakpoints there were flying around in that first set."
- Indicates the competitive nature and close scoreline of the match.
"This was the best Djokovic performance, by the way, I've seen in two years."
- Highlights the exceptional quality of Djokovic's play during the match.
Future Prospects and Fan Engagement
- Djokovic's Medal Set: There is a humorous discussion about Djokovic potentially completing a set of Olympic medals by aiming for a silver.
- Sinner's Tough Draw: There is anticipation and concern about Jannik Sinner's challenging draw in the upcoming Canada tournament.
- Fan Engagement: The podcast encourages fan interaction through super chats, reflecting the active engagement of the tennis community.
"Nole needs silver at the LA Olympics to complete the set. He's got bronze, he's got gold, just missing silver."
- Playfully suggests Djokovic should aim for a silver medal to complete his collection.
"Thoughts on Sinner's draw in Canada? Seems tough."
- Indicates the challenging nature of Sinner's upcoming matches in Canada.
"If you do want your question read out, please leave a super chat, and we'll read it out."
- Encourages fan interaction and participation in the podcast.
Critique of BBC's Coverage of Tennis
- The podcast begins with a critique of the BBC's coverage of tennis, particularly during a significant match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
- The hosts express their disappointment with the BBC's decision to switch coverage to a lesser-known sport where Team GB was competing for fifth place.
- They argue that the BBC does not respect tennis enough, except for their prized possession, Wimbledon.
"My first assessment is the BBC are an absolute disgrace. Why the hell are they going to some sport where GB are trying to fight for a fifth?"
- The hosts are frustrated that the BBC prioritized a less significant event over a historic tennis final.
"Do you think they would have missed it if it was Simone Biles doing something amazing or one of the other sports?"
- They suggest that the BBC would not have made the same decision if it were a more popular athlete or sport.
"BBC what they did today is no surprise. It's very disappointing being someone from Britain who has grown up watching BBC sport."
- The hosts express their long-standing disappointment with the BBC's sports coverage, feeling let down by the broadcaster.
Allegations Against BBC's Treatment of Novak Djokovic
- The hosts discuss the BBC's alleged bias against Novak Djokovic, including a hit piece during the pandemic.
- They suggest that the BBC tried to undermine Djokovic's achievements and control over his body.
"The BBC went after Novak Djokovic during the pandemic. They tried to do a hit piece on him."
- The hosts believe the BBC attempted to negatively portray Djokovic during the pandemic.
"How funny he's about to win a gold medal, he wins the first set and they're like, right, turn that off, we're not having him winning a gold medal on our watch."
- They imply that the BBC intentionally avoided broadcasting Djokovic's potential gold medal win.
Novak Djokovic's Family Support
- The podcast highlights the support Novak Djokovic received from his family during the Olympics.
- Djokovic's family, including his wife Jelena and children, were present in the stands, showing their support with signs and flags.
"It was a beautiful sight to see how passionate his family are and getting behind him."
- The hosts appreciate the visible support from Djokovic's family, which added to the emotional significance of the event.
"The kids probably really just enjoyed being patriotic to their country Serbia. They all had flags, they were all dressed up in the colors."
- The hosts believe the patriotic atmosphere of the Olympics contributed to the family's engagement and excitement.
Novak Djokovic's Olympic Achievement
- The podcast celebrates Novak Djokovic's achievement of winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
- Djokovic's victory is framed as a significant milestone in his career, completing his list of achievements as a tennis player.
"Novak Djokovic completing tennis, winning his gold medal and doing everything you could ever ask for as a tennis player."
- The hosts emphasize that Djokovic has now achieved everything possible in tennis.
"The first thing he did as soon as he won his gold medal, he put out a tweet: 'Dear Serbia, we did it. Love, Novak.'"
- Djokovic's immediate reaction on social media highlights his pride and dedication to his country.
Reflection on Differences of Opinion
- The podcast concludes with a reflection on the importance of respecting differences of opinion.
- The hosts encourage open debate and reasonable discussions, even if it leads to offending some people.
"Differences of opinions should always be encouraged. If people had that attitude, we'd be in a better place in this world."
- The hosts advocate for a more open-minded approach to differing viewpoints.
"Everyone should be entitled to what they think, and if I think right now my opinion is that Novak Djokovic is the greatest player of all time without a shadow of a doubt."
- They assert their belief in Novak Djokovic's greatness while encouraging others to share their opinions respectfully.
Final Remarks and Call to Action
- The hosts wrap up the podcast by congratulating Novak Djokovic and looking forward to future tennis events.
- They encourage listeners to engage with their content on various platforms and support their work through Patreon.
"If you have just found this channel, we do also have podcasts on Spotify as well. We do have a Patreon which supports us and allows us to keep doing this kind of content."
- The hosts invite listeners to explore more of their content and consider supporting them financially.
"Novak Djokovic winning his first gold medal at the Olympics. Good night Novak fans, I'm sure you're going to sleep well."
- They end on a celebratory note, acknowledging Djokovic's historic achievement and its impact on his fans.