Novak Djokovic proudly wears his Olympic gold medal during a night out in Paris with actor Damson Idris following his historic Golden Slam win
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Novak Djokovic proudly donned his Olympic gold medal as he enjoyed a night out in Paris just hours after his historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday.
The Serbian couldn't take the smile off his face as he headed to his celebration party at Siena restaurant in the French capital following his victory against Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz.
And the tennis star certainly wanted to shout his victory from the rooftops happily donned his shiny new medallion around his neck.
It appeared to be a star-studded evening as Novak was joined at the celebrations by British actor Damson Idris.
Novak Djokovic proudly donned his Olympic gold medal as he enjoyed a night out in Paris just hours after his historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday
It appeared to be a star-studded evening as Novak was joined at the celebrations by British actor Damson Idris
While basketball star Jayson Tatum was also in attendance.
Novak, who donned a brown polo top, tan trousers and white trainers for the occasion, was seen inside the restaurant surrounded by pals.
He was earlier seen being cheered on by a horde of fans as he made his way inside while clutching the Serbian flag.
It comes after he cried tears of joy on the red clay of Roland Garros as he finally became an Olympic champion – beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) – and thus the final omission from the most comprehensive CV tennis has known is filled.
It was a compelling duel in front of a 15,000-strong crowd. And, after 2hr 50min, it was hard not to feel sympathy for the loser, if he can called be such, for Alcaraz was a hero no matter that his silver medal was of little immediate consolation.
The 21-year-old cried, too, but for more painful reasons than his vanquisher, though his chance should come again.
You couldn’t promise that of Novak. He is 37 now and will be 41 in Los Angeles in 2028. His realisation of a finite deadline no doubt went into the manner of his celebrations.
After he picked himself off the clay, he sat in his chair and wept before taking the Serbian flag he had been handed. He climbed into the stands of Court Philippe-Chatrier to hug his wife, Jelena, and daughter, Tara, six.
The Serbian couldn't take the smile off his face as he headed to his celebration party at Siena restaurant in the French capital following his victory against Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz
Novak, who donned a brown polo top, tan trousers and white trainers for the occasion, was seen inside the restaurant surrounded by pals
The star's gold medal with blue ribbon was clear for all to see
Snowfall star Damson Idris was in attendance at the celebratory party
Basketball star Jayson Tatum donned a White T-shirt for the night out
He was earlier seen being cheered on by a horde of fans as he made his way inside while clutching the Serbian flag
Tara may not be able to absorb the full extent of her father’s accomplishment yet, but she can be proud that he stands as one of only five greats to have pulled off the career ‘Golden Slam’ of Wimbledon and the French, US and Australian Opens – and Olympic gold.
Steffi Graf, in 1998, Andre Agassi, completed in 1999, Rafael Nadal, in 2010, and Serena Williams, in 2012, are the others.
‘Three out of four Olympic Games, I lost in the semi-finals. I won a bronze medal in Beijing. I carried the flag for Serbia in 2012, in London, which was one of the best feelings I ever had in my life.
‘I didn’t know until today that there’s even a better feeling – winning a gold for your country.
‘This supersedes everything that I’ve ever felt on the tennis court. It’s incredible joy.’
Novak sunk to his knees after winning the men's singles gold medal match on Sunday
Djokovic was emotional as he held up a Serbian flag after ending his long wait for Olympic gold
New Olympic champion Djokovic pictured hugging Carlos Alcaraz after beating him 7-6 7-6
Serena Williams, who has four Olympic gold medals, was among the crowd for Sunday's final
Remarkably, Djokovic triumphed despite damaging his meniscus during the French Open in June. He wore strapping on his right knee throughout the Olympic tournament.
But rather than having a full surgical repair, which involves stitching the damaged area back together, followed by weeks in a knee brace, he had the area filed down with a ‘duckbill punch’ tool.
He needed treatment for a flare-up here in his quarter-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. A lover of setting new records, nothing would easily have stopped him. Anyway, he is now moving far more easily than in the Wimbledon final when Alcaraz made light work of him.
Djokovic was in tears moments after his victory at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday afternoon
Shortly after the match, Djokovic climbed into the crowd and made a beeline for his family
Djokovic pictured kissing wife Jelena after he completed a career Golden Slam on Sunday
A grinning Djokovic pictured standing on top of an Olympic podium, flanked by runner-up Alcarez (left) and Lorenzo Musetti (right) - who won the bronze medal for Italy
On Sunday, it was gruelling for them both. Neither broke the other’s serve once, despite break points galore. It was that tight.
With his inventiveness, youthfulness and manoeuvrability, Alcaraz was brilliant, no lost cause beyond his athleticism. As for his forehand it flew as fast and effectively as an Exocet. Has there ever been a more deadly weapon in tennis? And then there are his dextrous drops shots to contend with.
Ah, and then you come up against Djokovic. He was like a wall, and you could only marvel at his resilience and courtcraft. As little Tara’s sign declared: ‘Dad’s the best.’
He’s certainly the flintiest, and that may amount to pretty much the same thing.
