"Make this statement about Andy Murray if you have the courage": Fans slam British journalist for 'pathetic' take on Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold win

British sports journalist James Gray has come under fire from tennis fans for suggesting that tennis shouldn't be an Olympic sport in the wake of Novak Djokovic's gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Games. Many fans questioned whether Gray held the same view about compatriot Andy Murray's two gold medal victories at the prestigious event.

Djokovic recently fulfilled his long-held dream of winning the Olympic gold medal for Serbia, claiming an impressive 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win over Carlos Alcaraz in the final. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was overcome with emotion after his triumph, breaking down in tears over the magnitude of his achievement.

While Novak Djokovic was heralded as the GOAT and received widespread praise for completing his trophy collection, James Gray shared a contrary viewpoint in an opinion piece for inews.co.uk.

Gray seemingly attempted to diminish the significance of the Serb's accomplishment, arguing that "tennis is not a sport that belongs in the Olympic Games." He also asserted that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is an "outlier" for the emphasis he places on the global sporting event.

Fans did not take kindly to James Gray's "pathetic" article, questioning whether he would hold a similar perspective regarding Andy Murray's back-to-back Olympic singles gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

"Pathetic article. Just admit you’re fuming because he won. No need to disrespect other’s achievements, including Sir Andy Murray’s medals," one fan commented.

"So a UK journalist is fine with admitting that the best player Britain ever had has two "useless" gold medals in singles because tennis is not an Olympic sport?😂 Nice try, James. We believe you. But make this statement about Murray if you have the courage, not Novak. 😚," another fan chimed in.

"Ask James how he felt when Andy Murray won Gold, then," said another.

Fans also argued that Gray's remarks were a perceived attempt to discredit Djokovic's achievement, asserting that the final between the Serb and Carlos Alcaraz was one of the standout moments of the Olympics.

"They've to come up with these stories the day Djokovic won the medal, until yesterday it was the most glorious achievement for any tennis player, even if he has won 20 Slams.. The hypocrite lot," one fan posted.

"What an incredibly strange article to write up, just might as well have put the headline "I hate this person and can’t stand that he won,"" another fan wrote.

"The final yesterday has been one of the highlights of this Olympics," another fan chimed in.

"The final yesterday was amazing! James Gray is a pathetic hater," said yet another.

"It would be great if Novak Djokovic could achieve that" - Andy Murray expressed his wish for Serb to win gold medal at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

Andy Murray ended his professional tennis career at the 2024 Paris Olympics after his and Dan Evans' loss to the American duo of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the men's doubles quarterfinals.

Following his exit, the Brit disclosed that he "would like to see Novak Djokovic win the gold medal" in the singles event, emphasizing the significance of this accomplishment for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

"It clearly means a lot to him. When he plays for Serbia in the Davis Cup, or the matches he played in the Olympic semi-finals, you can see that he cares a lot. He doesn’t always show as much emotion as other players, but when he plays for Serbia those emotions come out a lot more. It would be great if he could achieve that," he said (via Clay).

Djokovic returned the favor with a heartfelt tribute to Murray on his retirement, saying that the Brit deserved the "best possible farewell."