"Novak Djokovic is really happy that he has got over Roger Federer" - Serena Williams' ex-coach on Serb surpassing Swiss with Paris Olympics gold

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer; All images - Getty

Rennae Stubbs, Serena Wiliams' former coach, lauded Novak Djokovic for lifting the men's singles Olympic title and surpassing Roger Federer. The latter's repertoire includes a gold in the doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but lacks one in singles.

Djokovic long awaited the Olympic gold, having won the men's singles bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In his fifth Olympic appearance in Paris, the Serb claimed straight-set victories against Matthew Ebden, Rafael Nadal, Dominik Koepfer, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Lorenzo Musetti to advance to the final against the World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion displayed a scintillating performance in the gold medal match, defeating the Spaniard 7-6(3), 7- 6(2). His effort skyrocketed him to the top of the men's tennis record book with every 'Big Title' win on offer.

Djokovic joined the likes of Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, and Serena Williams on the list of players who have completed a Career Golden Slam. Willliams' former coach Rennae Stubbs discussed the matter on the Racquet's Rannae Stubbs Tennis podcast, saying (at 6:45):

"He [Novak Djokovic] joins an exclusive club of gold medal champions in singles cause Rafa [Nadal] won in singles and doubles, Steffi [Graf] of course did what we will probably never see, winning all four Grand Slams and then winning a gold medal. But Novak joins Andre Agassi, the likes of these players."

She further claimed that Djokovic was pleased to have surpassed Federer with his Olympic gold medal win.

"Roger Federer is not even on that list. Although Roger won a gold medal in doubles, he never did this in singles so that's something that I am sure Novak is really happy that he has got over Roger," Stubbs said.

Novak Djokovic receives hero's welcome from home crowd in Serbia after Olympic gold medal win

Novak Djokovic landed in Serbia and received a warm welcome from his home crowd. After becoming the oldest man to win the gold in singles, the 37-year-old walked out of Belgrade's Old Palace with the medal around his neck. Thousands of people cheered on him, chanting 'Nole', as he kissed his medal in front of the crowd.

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The World No. 2 also took to his X handle to share glimpses of his homecoming. He was seen holding up his medal and showing off to the crowd as cheers erupted. Djokovic also celebrated with Paris Olympics bronze medalist Nikola Jokic and sang the Serbian National Anthem.