Toni Nadal declared Novak Djokovic “the best tennis player in history” following the Serbian’s triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 Olympic Final.
The uncle and legendary former coach of Rafael Nadal stated that the “bitter feeling” of Alcaraz’s regret in missing out on the gold medal “must not make us think that this is a defeat.”
Djokovic recorded his best performance of the 2024 season, defeating 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 his first Olympic gold medal in his sixth Games.
The Serbian owns the bulk of the most important records in men’s tennis, and with his Olympic victory, he has now won every major award in the sport.
In addition to winning the most Grand Slams, Masters 1000 championships, and ATP Finals trophies, Djokovic has spent the most weeks as world number one and has the most ATP year-end No. 1 finishes. He also has a winning record versus his two main opponents, Rafael Nadal (31-29) and Roger Federer (27-23).
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 editorial on El País, Nadal praised Djokovic while hailing Alcaraz’s silver medal accomplishment.
“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,” the Spanish player wrote.
“He lost a match that could have gone his way, despite giving his all at all times, fighting to the final ball as we know he always does, and keeping an entire country guessing thanks to his amazing tennis and devotion.
“His silver medal against the best tennis player in history deserves, without a doubt, all our admiration.”
Toni Nadal tutored his nephew Rafael Nadal from childhood till 2017, guiding him to 16 of his 22 Grand Slam championships. He is the director of the Rafa Nadal Academy on Mallorca.