Novak Djokovic has vowed to donate his Olympics prize money to humanitarian causes, according to reports.
Tennis legend Djokovic clinched gold in Paris on Sunday, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final. In the process of his straight-sets victory, he completed the Golden Slam.
Throughout his illustrious career, Djokovic has bagged an impressive 24 major titles – and he stormed into the Olympics final without losing a single set. The 37-year-old was the underdog having been trounced by Alcaraz at Wimbledon just last month.
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However, he put on a dazzling performance on the Roland Garros court to secure the match 7-6, 7-6. It also earned him £172,000, as per Serbian news outlet Kurir (via the Express), a sum set aside by his country’s government for all their gold medallists.
But rather than keeping the cash, which is a drop in the ocean compared to his estimated $200m (£178.8m) net worth, the report claims he plans to donate it to “those who need it the most”. Djokovic also showed his class by telling Alcaraz it’ll be his turn to win gold one day.
He took to Instagram post-match, writing: “A quick shoutout to @carlitosalcarazz. Another epic final, my friend. El classic. Congratulations to you and your team for an excellent Olympics.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Considering your age, your energy, and the way you play, you probably have 20 more Olympics ahead of you. Your gold will come. Until next time, amigo.” Alcaraz responded: “Thank you titan! Can’t wait to the next one.”
Djokovic, who boasts 10 Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon trophies, four US Open victories and three French Open wins, was visibly moved following his Olympic triumph. “Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” he explained.
“Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had.”
When asked about whether he feels he’s completed tennis, Djokovic explained: “Yes it’s complete because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but no because I love this sport. I don’t play only to win the tournaments.
“I don’t know about the future, I really want to be in the present moment to celebrate. It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal. So now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”