Toni Nadal proclaimed that Novak Djokovic is “the best tennis player in history” after the Serbian’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Olympic final.
The uncle and legendary former coach of Rafael Nadal asserted that the “bitter feeling” of Alcaraz’s disappointment at missing out on the gold medal “must not make us think that this is a defeat.”
Djokovic delivered his highest-level performance of the 2024 season to overcome Alcaraz in straight sets in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old’s victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Stade Roland Garros earned him a maiden Olympic gold medal at his fifth Games.
The Serbian holds the majority of the most important records in men’s tennis and with his Olympic triumph, he has now won every significant prize in the sport.
As well as having won the most Grand Slam titles, Masters 1000 titles and ATP Finals titles, Djokovic has spent the most weeks ranked world No 1 and has the most ATP year-end No 1 finishes. He also has a winning record against his two greatest rivals: Rafael Nadal (31-29) and Roger Federer (27-23).
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Djokovic’s unrivalled achievements have led many current and former players, analysts, and fans to label him the greatest tennis player of all time.
In his column for El Pais, Nadal hailed Alcaraz’s achievement of winning a silver medal as he offered the highest praise to Djokovic.
“The images of Carlos crying on the court with clear signs of grief and frustration have left us with a bitter feeling, but they must not make us think that this is a defeat,” wrote the Spaniard.
“He lost a match that could have been in his favour, giving his best at all times, fighting until the last ball as we know he usually does, and holding in suspense an entire country that enjoyed watching him for his great tennis and his passion.
“His silver medal against the best tennis player in history deserves, without a doubt, all our admiration.”
Toni Nadal coached his nephew Rafael Nadal from his childhood until 2017, helping him win 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. He is the director of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
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