Last year Novak Djokovic completed the game of tennis after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics title match.
Few figures understand sustained excellence better than Pep Guardiola, and the famous coach praised the 24-time Major winner.
What a final it was! 🔥 Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in two tiebreak sets to win gold at #Paris2024, achieving the coveted Career Golden Slam. 🎾 pic.twitter.com/OUa5MlKZna
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 13, 2025
The praise from someone who has built teams that thrive under pressure and redefine dominance carries a different weight. In Novak, Pep sees a competitor shaped by the hardest possible environment.
Instead of rising in isolation, the Serb's career unfolded alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, with the famous trio pushing tennis standards to unprecedented heights.
His rivals are now retired, but Djokovic continues to extend the legacy of the Big 3, preparing for another strong campaign in the season when he turns 39 after wrapping up 2025 in the top-4.
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
After achieving everything our sport has to offer, Novak is still hungry to chase more trophies and push the boundaries of his incredible career. At this point of his career, the veteran leans increasingly on experience and mental strength rather than sheer physical strength.
Djokovic's mentality was on full display at the Olympic Games in Paris. In his fifth attempt, the Serb finally clinched the Olympic Games gold medal following a thrilling final over Carlos Alcaraz.
The veteran bested the favorite 7-6, 7-6 in nearly three hours for one of the most emotional titles of his career. Novak kept his focus and repelled all the challenges to emerge at the top and write tennis history.
The 38-year-old managed his emotions and executed in decisive moments to provide a masterclass in competitive focus. For Guardiola, that performance represents the essence of elite sport.
The famous coach praised Djokovic's capacity to rise when everything is at stake, regardless of context or opponent. Novak's incredible Parisian journey reflects a mindset that transcends disciplines.
Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
His title serves as a reminder that greatness is about enduring, adapting and proving yourself again and again on the most notable scene. As Guardiola pointed out, Djokovic stands among the greatest competitors sport has ever produced.
The 38-year-old trains hard in Dubai ahead of another season. Novak is eager to chase that elusive 25th Major title and prove himself against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the dominant duo of men's tennis.
"You must be very proud in Serbia, especially about Novak. What he achieved with Rafa and Roger around is simply amazing. Novak is also still active. The mentality he provided in the Olympic Games final against Carlos is something magnificent," Pep Guardiola said.
