Novak Djokovic’s rival shares ‘very funny’ story people are saying about Serb | Tennis | Sport

WTA star Zheng Qinwen has revealed Novak Djokovic carries his Olympic gold medal with him wherever he goes on tour.

Djokovic ended a career-long wait to top the podium at the recent Paris Games, becoming just the fifth player in the sport’s history to complete the ‘Golden Slam’.

It was a rare high point from an otherwise difficult year for the Serb, who, through a combination of injuries and poor form, hasn’t hit his familiar heights.

July’s run to the Wimbledon final was the only Grand Slam final he reached – a drop off from 2023 when Djokovic competed in all four Slam finals.

But despite his struggles throughout 2024, Djokovic, according to Qinwen, is keen to remind everyone he is still Olympic champion – a title that will never be taken away from him.

Speaking at the China Open, the local hero claimed: “I think this is a very funny story. People talk about Djokovic taking his gold medal everywhere he goes.

“It’s really funny that he has the gold medal here. He actually invited me to the Great Wall, but because of the schedule, I couldn’t be there.”

Much like Djokovic, Qinwen also took gold at the Paris Games, with China’s highest-ranked player admitting the medal has put an extra spring in her step.

She continued: “I think, indeed, the gold medal brings me a lot of energy, just like Djokovic.

“He has the gold medal everywhere he goes, from Europe to the U.S. and all the way to China. Of course, the gold medal brought him a lot of great energy.

“I did not have the chance to take a picture with his gold medal. I really wish I could practice with him with his gold medal.”

Given Djokovic had to wait until the twilight of his career to snatch the gold medal, it’s understandable he likes to parade it around whenever he gets the chance.

An emotional Djokovic dropped to his knees after beating Carlos Alcaraz in August’s final, before hailing the win his ‘greatest achievement’.

Commenting back in August, the former world No.1 said: “Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia.”

Djokovic will return to the court to face either Alex Michelsen or Yunchaokete Bu in the first round of the Shanghai Masters.