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“I Can Do Whatever I Want”: Canelo Alvarez Blasts IBF for Stripping Him off Super Middleweight Title

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Canelo Alvarez IBF

Canelo Alvarez stands at the pinnacle of the boxing world.

There might not be any name as big as his in the boxing community right now, and the gold straps around his waist only add to his allure. But the IBF took one of them from him for not fighting his mandatory William Scull. The Mexican champion believes he made himself championship-worthy, not the other way around.

Alvarez, 34, has faced flak for not fighting the name the fans want him to face, David Benavidez. But with four straps and only two fights a year, he could only do so much. What’s more? He believes he has fought his way to stardom and now deserves to have his way. Alvarez, at 61-2-2, has questioned the IBF’s decision to take away his title as he weighs it against his popularity and his title of ‘face of boxing’. Did Scull fit the bill as his opponent? Did fans want to see the fight?

Canelo Alvarez next fight: Undisputed crown under threat but Crawford dream remains - Dexerto

READ: ‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

Alvarez doubted that. He expressed the same when he sat down for an interview with ‘Million Dollaz Worth of Game’. Drawing parallels with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson, he pointed out that all the superstars fought, whom they thought were better for their business and resume, not for holding onto their championships after they had cemented their hold on the top. The Guadalajara native said, “[Oscar] De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Julio Cesar Chavez, Mike Tyson, everybody did this. There are stars and superstars, and they made the championship, not the championship made them.”

“The IBF [says], ‘Hey, you need to fight with this because this.’ Who’s [William] Scull? I never hear about him… I’m not gonna do whatever they want, I want to do what I want. In this position, I can do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I did,” Alvarez added.

While he is one of the biggest stars in the boxing world, he will go against the Noche UFC on the same weekend, as both events share the same date. But he has confidence in his fan base, his fame, and his name.

In the same interview, Alvarez shed light on sharing the same night as Noche UFC, which will happen a few blocks away from his fight in T-Mobile Arena. The UFC has booked the Sphere and has already spent $17 million on the promotion. But the super middleweight champion is undeterred. He declared, “Maybe other boxing matches, maybe, but Canelo is different. There are other kind of fights, but Canelo is just different. I don’t care if the UFC is there, when Canelo fights, it’s different.”

It remains to be seen how well Alvarez’s fight with Edgar Berlanga fares on the business side of things. The fans have asked questions about his decision to fight Berlanga, but he looks to cash in on the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry to make the event successful. Will his plan be successful?

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GOLF

LIV Golf Doping Controversy: Brooks Koepka Steals Bryson DeChambeau’s Move to Save Face

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Brooks Koepka Bryson DeChambeau

LIV Golf Doping Controversy – Brooks Koepka Steals Bryson DeChambeau’s Move to Save Face at $25M Showdown

John Catlin joined Bryson DeChambeau‘s Crushers GC as a replacement for Charles Howell III at LIV Golf Houston after Howell was sidelined due to a tibia injury in his left leg. Interestingly, Catlin had decent performances, with T7 in Nashville being his best. However, who would have thought Catlin would be back again on the LIV golf field, and this time as a part of Brooks Koepka’s team?

PGA Tour should move cautiously with Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka feud - Sports Illustrated

READ: ‘I fully accept the sanctions’: LIV Golf pro suspended after positive drugs test

Yes, you read it right. Recently, bunkered.com revealed that Catlin is joining Koepka’s Smash GC as a replacement for Graeme McDowell for the $25 million Greenbrier showdown. The reason McDowell is out of the field of the upcoming event is that he has been suspended for one event for violating LIV Golf’s anti-doping rules. The golfer tested positive for R-methamphetamine, a banned substance that he claims was used in a nasal spray for congestion.

Talking about it, McDowell shared a post on X and said, “Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vick’s nasal decongestant without realizing it might be on the banned list.” Not only will he miss out on the next $25 million event, but the golfer was also fined $125,000. Meanwhile, John Catlin will play as his replacement at LIV Golf Greenbrier.

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TENNIS

Unlike Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek Refuses to Succumb to Online Hate

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Coco Gauff Iga Swiatek

Unlike Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek Refuses to Succumb to Online Hate as She Reveals the Perfect Way to Deal With Naysayers

“Unfortunately, many people don’t realize what the life of an athlete is like.” Dealing with social media can be a nuisance. Especially when fans offer their unsolicited opinions to simply pour negativity. Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are two such players who are often victims of such online harassment. While the tennis stars have earned respect within the sporting community with their laudable achievements, an occasion loss in their momentum turns the subject into a flip-sided affair. But, how do they deal with such comments? Surprisingly, in contrast to Gauff, Swiatek resorts to a very different approach.

On Sunday, August 11, Swiatek sat down for an exclusive interview with WP SportoweFakty. Following her Paris Olympics campaign, wherein she fetched a bronze medal, the Polish star was asked how she deals with a love-hate relationship with fan comments. The World No. 1 explained that it’s a two-way street. While some fans offer her support even when she’s at her lowest, some spread negativity even when she has garnered glory. The latest of which came after her disheartening semifinal loss at the hands of China’s Qinwen Zheng at Olympic Games.

Swiatek Gauff to meet in Australian Open quarters - Tennis Majors

JUST IN: Carlos Alcaraz sends Jannik Sinner warning as he reveals big goal ahead of Cincinnati Masters

As an attempt to cut herself off from outside world during tournaments, Swiatek typically limits her online presence during tournaments. Her online activity is primarily confined to posting after matches. She consciously avoids reading comments during these intense periods. “I don’t feel like answering or explaining, because I realize that a lot of people support me and I wouldn’t be able to explain everything. I simply accept that such things are a part of my life.”

The Pole acknowledges a common misconception about the life of an athlete. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional distance from such opinions, as they often lack understanding of the athlete’s experience. Unfortunately, she notes a tendency for people to make hasty judgments. However, once a tournament concludes, she often catches up on online discussions to stay informed about public opinion. “Very often, I receive very positive messages. This was the case right after my defeat in the semi-final in Paris, when messages of support from fans and friends, and even from other athletes, helped me a lot.” 

Exactly one year ago, the World No. 1 opened up about the toxic online environment after her hard-fought victory over Zheng at the Western & Southern Open. She expressed frustration over the relentless hate messages directed at both herself and her coaching team, despite a successful comeback win. Swiatek questioned the unrealistic expectations placed on athletes, highlighting the stark contrast between the negativity online and the positive outcome of the match.

 

For those unaware, last year, American talent Gauff took significant measures to deal with online harassment. Notably, the World No. 2 went on a social media blocking spree after witnessing a string of negative comments after she was overpowered by the Pole at the 2023 WTA Finals. Later, she posted a candid admission outlining her reasoning behind such extreme measures saying,

“I only block people who are negative, not my fans. When you deal with the daily harassment I deal with every single day. Death threats, racism, body shaming. etc. It is exhausting. So I try my best to spare myself.”

However, Gauff is in no mood to let such comments affect her ambitions. After a heartbreaking conclusion to her Olympics campaign, the American, once again, aims to participate in 2028 LA Olympics! This time for a “full effect”!

One would think Gauff’s premature end to her Olympic debut would quash her gold medal ambitions. However, the American has stepped in to tell everyone otherwise. The 20-year-old plans to sign up for all three categories at the 2028 edition of the Games, despite failing to secure a medal while participating in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles contests in Paris this year.

She said, “I didn’t really experience a full effect so like kind of lost earlier in singles so at that point I think I was I didn’t even double up yet so I would still do all three again if that’s a possibility in 28, I mean it’s four years from now.”

Following an early exit at the Olympics, the reigning US Open champion hasn’t stumbled upon noteworthy success on the Tour either. An out-of-form Gauff was flushed out of the Canadian Open before she could make her mark. Now, she hopes to reverse her fortune by prepping for the Cincinnati Open and with it, aims for a successful title defense at the Flushing Meadows Slam.

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TENNIS

Carlos Alcaraz sends Jannik Sinner warning as he reveals big goal ahead of Cincinnati Masters

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Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz has sent a message to Jannik Sinner by asserting that ending the 2024 season as the ATP world No 1 is one of his “main goals.”

The Spaniard revealed that being No 1 is a target whenever he does not occupy the position and highlighted the importance of the Race to the ATP Finals to him.

Alcaraz is in Cincinnati to play his first tournament since leaving the 2024 Paris Olympics with a silver medal, following his loss to Novak Djokovic in an enthralling gold medal contest.

Carlos Alcaraz sends Jannik Sinner warning as he reveals big goal ahead of Cincinnati Masters

READ: How does Sinner’s loss affect the battle for World No. 1? Alcaraz could potentially snatch the No. 1

The 21-year-old is currently ranked third in the ATP Rankings on 7,950 points behind world No 1 Sinner (8,770 points) and world No 2 Novak Djokovic (8,460 points).

Alcaraz was a runner-up at the Cincinnati Masters in 2023, meaning he will need to reach the final or win the Masters 1000 event this year to improve his points tally.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is second in the ATP Race to Turin Rankings on 5,960 points, 450 points behind Sinner, who is top with 6,410 points. The Race Rankings count only points from the current year and determine the eight qualifiers for the season-ending ATP Finals.

Speaking ahead of the Cincinnati Masters, Alcaraz outlined his ambition to chase down Sinner at the top of the ATP Rankings and in the Race.

“Obviously being No 1 is a goal every time that I am [behind] and the race is an important ranking for me,” said the world No 3.

“At the end of the year, if you end the race No 1, in the rankings [it is] quite similar, so you’re going to end the No 1. So I’m really focused on that.

“I’m focused on going to every tournament, thinking about playing great tennis, doing a good result just to get better in the race.

“This year, ending the year as No 1 is one of my main goals right now. So I’m looking forward to doing it and let’s see.

“I’m fighting for being No 1 in the race, that’s something that I really want to to do as soon as possible, if I could do it in the future.

“This one is a really important tournament, really good tournament for me. So I’m going to try to play good tennis, try to play same level as I was playing, and let’s see.”

Alcaraz will face either Gael Monfils or Alexei Popyrin in his opening match in Cincinnati, where he is the No 2 seed. The Spaniard could face off with Sinner in the final at the hard-court event.

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BOXING

“He Doesn’t Understand”: Soon After Feud With Canelo Alvarez, HE Turki Alalshikh Refuses to Work With Another Boxing Star

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Canelo Alvarez Turki Alalshikh

HE Turki AlalShikh is making things tick in the boxing world. He is currently the most sought-after matchmaker.

The prime architect of blockbuster events like “Queensberry vs Matchroom – 5 vs 5”, and “Ring of Fire”,is rejuvenating the boxing scene with matchups the boxing fans have been dreaming of. The shrewd businessman’s message is quite clear— get with the program, or fall by the wayside! It is quite evident that boxers and promoters have to fit into his plans rather than the other way around.

The Saudi Arabian matchmaker’s beef with Canelo Alvarez is a clear indicator that he is not here to suck up to any fighter, no matter how famous he is. Now, Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu has been added to the list of people he isn’t willing to work with. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he unequivocally stated that he “will not work” with Tszyu. “He doesn’t understand,” HE said sternly.

Turki Alalshikh: Tim Tszyu banished by Turki Alalshikh, who declares he will not work with the Australian fighter

JUST IN: ‘I definitely knocked him out’: Deontay Wilder includes Tyson Fury in his top three KOs,

Reportedly, Tim Tszyu was supposed to fight Vergil Ortiz on the Riyadh season fight card on August 3. But, a severe cut to the head suffered during his last bout against Sebastian Fundora in March this year, which hasn’t healed yet, forced him to pull out of the event. Previously, the Australian fighter stated that he was hopeful about working with the mastermind of the Riyadh season. “I’d love to work with him. “He’s all about making the big fights happen and I’m all for that. But I’ve got a team. I’ve got a professional team with me and everything is organized through that.”

However, it needs to be mentioned that HE has not stated the exact reason why he isn’t willing to work with Tsyzu. In the meantime, the 29-year-old fighter has been mandated to fight IBF junior-middleweight world champion Murtazaliev later this year.

Moving on to Turki Alalshikh’s feud with Canelo Alvarez, what exactly triggered it?

As with someone with the reputation of orchestrating matchups that the fans would want to see, HE Turki Alalshikh came to Canelo with the offer to fight undefeated two-time undisputed champion Terence Crawford. But, the unified super-middleweight champion flat-out refused. “He needs to do it my way, and not his way. “I respect everybody but I don’t like the way [Alalshikh] talks… I didn’t ask for this fight.” Alvarez said at the press event for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga.

In response, the Saudi Arabian Royal Court adviser shut down all prospects of the Saudis arranging a Canelo event. He accused Canelo of making “easy show-only fights”, which did not fit in with his aim of “making big fights at fair prices.”

As things stand currently, the four-division champion has put an astronomical price tag of $150 million and $200 million on fights with elite contenders David Benavidez and Terence Crawford, respectively.

Clearly,  the ‘face of boxing’ Canelo wants to call the shots, but HE isn’t willing to budge.

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Uncategorized

‘I definitely knocked him out’: Deontay Wilder includes Tyson Fury in his top three KOs,

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Deontay Wilder Tyson Fury

Deontay Wilder included his draw with Tyson Fury when he was asked to rank the top three knockouts of his boxing career.

Many felt the former WBC heavyweight world champion was fortunate to escape with his unbeaten record after his first fight with the Brit, in which he scored two knockdowns but looked to have been largely outboxed for most of the rounds.

The second knockdown, in round 12, has always been contentious with Wilder.

Wilder knocked Fury down twice in their first fight, but many still believed Fury did enough to win

JUST IN: ‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

He previously said he believed referee Jack Reiss counted slowly and so gave Fury a chance to get up.

When asked to name his best KOs, Wilder told Marcus Watson on Instagram Live in 2021: “Coldest knockouts? There’s so many.

“I’m gonna give you the ones that pop out in my mind.

“Bermane Stiverne II – I transformed, I had an outer experience with him. It was so crazy.

“Artur Szpilka, Szpilka was another one.

“And the 12th round knockout of Fury, because I definitely knocked his ass out…

“I won that fight hands down.

“Not only with me knocking him out and the ref giving him more time because he felt like it would be the right thing to do because of the type of fight that it was.

“It was a highly anticipated fight, had a lot on the line and sometimes these referees go out of their character feeling like, ‘I’mma do what’s best for the sport,’ instead of what is in the rules.

Fury floored Wilder twice and stopped him in round seven of their rematch in February 2020

“I definitely knocked him out. The referee was Jack Reiss and if you go back and look at any of his fights, he stops a lot of fights early.

“Sometimes they don’t even get to get up and he’s waving it off.

“When I knocked Fury out I literally seen it with my own self, that’s one of the reasons why I was so surprised.

“Not only with the count, but I seen this man’s eyes rolled back into his head, that’s how this s*** was.

“I seen his veins popping out his head and I knew he had a concussion. He was gone, that’s a wave off, period.”

Unfortunately for Wilder, he’s more recently been on the receiving end of highlight-reel KOs.

In 2020, he was stopped by Fury and lost his WBC heavyweight world title in their rematch.

Then, in 2021, he again floored the Brit twice in their trilogy fight, but was unable to finish the job,

Fury survived once more and brutally KO’d Wilder in the 11th round.

The American returned in 2022 with a KO of Robert Helenius, but has since lost twice more.

He was outboxed by Joseph Parker last year and then brutally knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in June.

His future is now unclear with many expecting him to retire, though he has shown no indication of doing so.

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BOXING

‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has given his take on Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury lost the first fight via a split decision as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. The scorecards suggested it was a close fight, but Usyk dominated most of the bout. Aside from the middle rounds, the Gypsy King was out-fought for most of the fight, as Usyk almost stopped him in round nine. The referee imposed a standing eight count just when Usyk went for the stoppage.

Joshua also lost to Usyk in consecutive fights, losing his Unified Heavyweight Title. But Fury has the chance to redeem himself. He rematches Usyk on December 21. Meanwhile, Joshua takes on Daniel Dubois on September 21. If Joshua and Fury win, they could fight each other next for undisputed. But before that can happen, Joshua has told Fury to focus on himself.

Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua gives his prediction for the highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and

READ: Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not here to be friends with anyone’

“It [Fury-Joshua] needs to happen, it’s just taking a long time, it needs to happen. But he’s got his hands full and so have I. Let’s both do our jobs and we’ll see a positive 2025 I’m sure of it because we know that the people that are listening want to make good things happen. So potentially we might see Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury enter into a ring in collaboration with Riyadh Season, here in London. But let’s get focused on Daniel, that’s our main objective and we’ll see what happens there,” Joshua said

Fury is the underdog in his rematch, where he was the favorite in the first fight. The Gypsy King maintained that he had beaten Usyk, arguing the Ukrainian had only been given the decision due to the war with Russia. Fury also watched the fight again and alleged he had won around ten rounds. He referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer who refused to accept defeat.

He was seen getting thrown out of a bar in his hometown of Morecambe after appearing to be drunk. Meanwhile, Joshua is in great form. He has bounced back from his loss to Usyk and is unbeaten in his last four bouts.

Two of his wins have been under his new trainer, Ben Davidson. Since working with Davidson, he has stopped Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. Since Davidson was Fury’s trainer, it has set up an intriguing fight with the Gypsy King. But Joshua felt that Usyk would be too much for the Gypsy King.

“I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again. He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win,” Joshua added

A Fury vs. Joshua fight is not as big as it could be now that both fighters have been defeated. But given the rivalry’s long history, there is potential for fans to see a mega clash. That allows fans to see a big domestic clash to decide the best British heavyweight of his era.

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BOXING

“He Made It Personal”: Accusing Referee of Being Partial Towards Floyd Mayweather, John Gotti III Predicts a Dog Fight In Rematch

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Floyd Mayweather

An “enemy for life” Floyd Mayweather has now been forgiven by John Gotti III, grandson of former New York mobster John Gotti.

After the melee that erupted following John Gotti III’s disqualification during an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather in June last year, there was bad blood between them for quite a long time. But things have cooled down, and they are now looking to settle the dispute once and for all inside the ring on November 14 in Mexico City, rather than engaging in crude mudslinging on social media.

In an interview with TMZ, Gotti III took a trip down memory lane and narrated the chain of events that happened inside the ring which eventually led to the entourages of both camps rushing into the ring and engaging in a brawl. Furthermore, he revealed his game plan for the rematch against the legendary 50-0 fighter.

John Gotti III suspended after brawl with Floyd Mayweather

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua: ‘m not here to be friends with anyone’

In an interview with TMZ, the 2-0 professional fighter shared his perspective on his ill-famed bout with Floyd Mayweather. For the uninitiated, referee Kenny Bayless disqualified him, midway through round 6, for clinching Mayweather, and not adhering to the rules of the bout. This made an angry Gotti III shove the referee and charge at Mayweather while throwing haymakers.

But, the anger was building up in Gotti III from round one. “He made it personal, I didn’t make it personal. You know he came out from the get-go of that first fight. He was on the verbal attack right away you know and Kenny Bayless had no problem with that whatsoever,” he said. The fight was a one-sided domination as an aggressive Mayweather kept peppering him with big shots, all the while shooting insults at him.

Thereafter, he accused the referee of being partial towards Mayweather. “When I started giving it back it became a problem,” Gotti remarked, pointing out that he received warnings for verbally insulting Mayweather, while ‘Pretty Boy’ got away scot-free.

Nonetheless, he stated that things would be different in the rematch. “He [Mayweather] could say whatever he wants to say he’s not going to snooker me again you know,” Gotti asserted.

But, what does Gotti expect Floyd to do in the rematch?

Gotti III hopes that Mayweather comes out swinging like he did in the first fight. Safe to say, he isn’t afraid of the “dog fight”. The New York native’s response would be to “stay in the pocket” and trade punches with him.

“If he comes out the way he did the first fight you know I think I am gonna stay right in the pocket this time and I’m gonna give it as good as I could take,” he said confidently.

What’s more, he won’t be afraid to make adjustments if Mayweather decides to move around and play the usual evasive counter-puncher role.

“Maybe he’ll move and be on his bike a little more I don’t I don’t know but I’m prepared like I said,” Gotti told TMZ.

Hopefully, John Gotti III is “mentally prepared” for the boxing pedigree that a skilled, and undefeated fighter like Mayweather is going to bring into the ring.

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GOLF

“I fully accept the sanctions”: LIV Golf pro suspended after positive drugs test

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LIV Golf

LIV Golf pro Graeme McDowell has been suspended and fined from one tournament after he tested positive for a banned substance. 

McDowell took to X on 11 August to confirm he had used a ‘generic’ Vicks nasal decongestant ahead of LIV Nashville after struggling to sleep.

The golfer didn’t realise that it was on the list of prohibited substances, he said.

Graeme McDowell suspended for violating LIV Golf's doping policy

READ: Rory McIlroy reaches unwanted career milestone

The 45-year-old said he did not think to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) because of the ‘over the counter nature’ of the medicine.

In his statement, McDowell said he ‘deeply’ regretted the oversight and he fully accepted the sanctions imposed by the breakaway tour.

He also appeared to hit out at the PGA Tour by saying that LIV, ‘Unlike other tours’, enforces rules rigorously.

The former European Ryder Cup star appeared to confirm he has been banned from competing in one LIV event.

McDowell said he looks forward to getting back into action at LIV Chicago over 13-15 September.

It means that he won’t be in the field at The Greenbrier next week and explains why he withdrew from last week’s Asian Tour event.

McDowell and his LIV peer Ian Poulter were expected to headline the International Series event at Foxhills in Surrey.

But both players pulled out. Poulter cited the recurrence of an ankle injury whilst McDowell did not give a reason.

“Ahead of LIV Nashville, I was struggling with severe congestion that was affecting my sleep,” McDowell said in a statement.

“In an effort to manage it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant without realising it might be on the banned list.

“As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of checking all medications and the option to apply for a TUE.

“Unfortunately, I did not think to do this due to the over the counter nature of the medicine, and I deeply regret the oversight.

“I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

He continued: “LIV’s Anti-Doping Policy is designed to be thorough and transparent.

“Unlike some other tours, LIV enforces these rules rigorously, which made this situation particularly challenging for me.

“However, I respect the rules and penalties – they are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.

“I’m proud of my 22-year career and the way I’ve conducted myself throughout it.

“Now, I’m focused on moving forward and getting back on the golf course.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at LIV Chicago.”

McDowell's statement on X

It has been reported that McDowell has been fined $125,000 (£98,000) for the offence.

The results of McDowell and his team from LIV Nashville will be disqualified following his suspension.

McDowell was among the first wave of players to join the controversial, Saudi-backed league in June 2022.

He resigned his membership with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour 30 minutes before the first tee shots were hit in LIV’s inaugural event at Centurion Club.

McDowell is currently a member of Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC.

He spent the first two campaigns as part of Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks outfit.

McDowell has not played in a major championship since the 2020 U.S. Open, when his 10-year exemption for winning the tournament expired.

He has since tumbled to 972 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic is about to discover if his tennis career is coming to an end

By
Novak Djokovic Olympic

Novak Djokovic has admitted he is writing the final few chapters of his career and his emotions over the next few weeks could be crucial to deciding when he retires.

After achieving his last great goal in tennis by winning the Olympic gold medal with a win against Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris 2024 final earlier this month, what comes next is a question Djokovic will be asking as he prepares for the final months of this year.

After struggling for motivation and slipping to some surprise defeats in the first half of this year, Djokovic bounced back into form as he performed heroically to come through some tight matches at the French Open.

Olympics 2024: Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz to win gold in men's singles final at Roland Garros | Tennis News | Sky Sports

JUST IN: How does Sinner’s loss affect the battle for World No. 1? Alcaraz could potentially snatch the No. 1

His run at Roland Garros was ended by a knee injury that required him to undergo surgery on June 5, but he made a remarkably quick recovery to play at Wimbledon and reach the final, where he lost against Alcaraz.

Djokovic then bounced back to serve up some passionate performances and claim the Olympic gold medal for Serbia allowed him to complete his record of claiming every major title in tennis.

“I thought in 2012, carrying the flag of my country in the opening ceremony was the best feeling an athlete could have – until today,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said.

“This supersedes everything that I imagined and hoped I could experience and feel. The fact I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games and ever since then failed to win a medal despite playing in three semi-finals, I couldn’t overcome that obstacle.

“Now, at age 37, I beat a 21-year-old that is probably the best player in the world right now. When I take everything into consideration, this is probably the biggest sporting success I’ve had in my career.

Djokovic’s declaration that he now has everything he could ever need from his tennis career inspired questions over how long the greatest player of them all would continue to play at the highest level.

He has openly admitted that playing in ATP Masters series events is no longer driving his ambition and with the Olympic dream no longer on his horizon, what more can Djokovic aim for?

This is a player with more Grand Slam titles than any male in tennis history, who has been world No 1 for more than two years longer than anyone else, so what is left for Djokovic now?

He could extend his lead in the Grand Slam title race and target an eighth Wimbledon title to equal Roger Federer’s all-time record next summer, but that achievement would not define his legacy.

Djokovic has won his battle with Rafael Nadal and Federer to be etched into the record books as the greatest tennis player of all-time and with the Olympic dream complete, he admits there are doubts over what comes next.

“It’s complete,” he said of his career. “I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but I love this sport. I don’t just play only to win the tournament.

“I play because I love the competition, training my body, perfecting my game. This sport has given me so much in my life and I try to give back to the sport with dedication and the sacrifice I put on the court when no one else is watching.

“I do it as hard as any young player out there, so these successes are no accident.

“I don’t know about the future. I have worked very hard, sacrificed a lot to get to this moment. Now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”

Djokovic will need to get back onto hard courts imminently as he prepares to defend his US Open title, but he will not play in any warm-up events after pulling out of the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters events.

The Serbian has proved time and again that he cannot be written off in any tournament, but Alcaraz and world No 1 Jannik Sinner appear to have been a step ahead of him over the course of 2024 and for the first time in many years, Djokovic may not arrive in New York as US Open favourites.

Beating Alcaraz in a best-of-three-set match that meant more to him than any other in recent years is an achievement he will cherish forever, but can Djokovic still win a Grand Slam against the young guns snapping at his heels?

The great man himself will get some answers to that dilemma when he steps on court at the US Open for the first time because if his motivation wanes for a second on the biggest stages in tennis, even the great Djokovic will be swept aside by his youthful rivals.

If Djokovic steps back on the court and does not feel the drive and passion to continue to strive for perfection, he won’t wait for too long to accept he sport he as loved and completed has given him all he needs.

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