Novak Djokovic’s historic run to Olympic gold at Paris 2024 included a striking public moment of faith.
After defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-final, Djokovic was concerned about a recurrence of the knee injury that had forced him out of the French Open only weeks earlier. During an interview with Serbian broadcaster RTS, he took the cross from around his neck, kissed it and said: “I’m praying to God.”
Djokovic recovered, advanced through the semi-final and then faced Carlos Alcaraz for gold.
At 37, he defeated Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in the final without losing a set, securing his first Olympic gold medal and completing the career Golden Slam, having already won all four Grand Slam tournaments. After the final point, an emotional Djokovic fell to his knees on the clay.
The tournament came just days after controversy surrounding the Paris opening ceremony. The French Bishops’ Conference said parts of the ceremony amounted to “mockery and derision of Christianity,” although organisers disputed interpretations of one controversial scene and later expressed regret that people had taken offence.
Claims circulated online that Djokovic deliberately wore his cross more prominently as a response to that controversy, but there is no evidence establishing that connection. Djokovic had already been wearing the cross publicly before the Games.
What is documented is simpler: during one of the biggest tournaments of his life, facing uncertainty over his injured knee, Djokovic publicly kissed his cross and said he was praying to God.
Days later, he was Olympic champion.