"Mt Rushmore of tennis": Coco Gauff's coach Brad Gilbert crowns Novak Djokovic with Steffi Graf, Serena Williams & Rafael Nadal after Olympic gold win

Coco Gauff's coach Brad Gilbert has shared his perspective on the players who should be included on the Mount Rushmore of tennis following Novak Djokovic's triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serb emerged victorious against Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final to clinch his maiden Olympic gold medal.

Just weeks after his resounding loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, the World No. 2 turned the tables in Paris to claim a 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory over the Spaniard. With his triumph, Djokovic clinched the one major title missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet, accomplishing his long-held dream to bring glory to his country.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also completed the career Golden Slam - winning all four majors and the Olympic gold - and joined the elite ranks of Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal as the only players to achieve the feat.

Following Novak Djokovic's victory, Brad Gilbert took to social media and placed the Serb alongside Graf, Williams and Nadal on the Mount Rushmore of tennis in the Open Era.

"The Mt Rushmore of tennis 🎾 in the open era Steffi Serena Vamos-Rafa and Djoker 💪👍👌😎👊," he posted on X.

Gilbert also concurred with a fan's opinion that Steffi Graf deserved the place of honor among these legends, as the German is the only player in history to win all four majors and the Olympic gold in the same year (1988).

"Most underrated year in tennis 🎾 history maybe 🤔 in all of sports," he commented.

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Novak Djokovic: "I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country, to complete all the records"

Novak Djokovic wins the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic was "overwhelmed" with emotion after finally clinching the elusive gold medal for Serbia, breaking down in tears after his victory. The 37-year-old took pride in his accomplishment, calling it "arguably the biggest success" of his career.

"I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country," he said in his on-court interview.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also expressed delight at attaining the career Golden Slam, emphasizing his satisfaction with having "completed all the records."

"So it’s a big lesson for me. I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the golden slam. To complete all the records," he added.

After winning his first title of the season at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic will aim to continue his winning streak as he turns his attention to the North American hardcourt swing, culminating in his title defense at the US Open.