Novak Djokovic etched his name into tennis history by capturing the Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final at the Paris Olympic Games. The Serbian superstar’s 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) victory completed the coveted Golden Slam, adding the Olympic title to his collection of Grand Slam trophies.
Djokovic had previously fallen short in three Olympic singles finals. This triumph marks a significant milestone in his already illustrious career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
The match was a showcase of exceptional talent, with both Djokovic and Alcaraz displaying extraordinary skill and athleticism. The two-hour, 50-minute encounter was a fitting climax to an unforgettable Olympic tournament.
Djokovic’s impressive career already featured a record 24 Grand Slam titles and the most weeks spent at No. 1 in the rankings by any man or woman. It also already contained a Summer Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a bronze—and he has made clear that simply was not sufficient.
Competing in his fifth Olympic Games, Djokovic overcame Alcaraz in an enthralling final at Roland Garros to add Olympic gold to his 24 Grand Slam triumphs.
“This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling,” said the 37-year-old said.
“I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today. Now, at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”
Victory on Sunday allowed Djokovic to join Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and the watching Serena Williams as the only players to win all four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic singles gold, completing the career Golden Slam.
Before defeating Alcaraz on Sunday, his best performance at the Olympics had been in 2008 in Beijing when he won bronze. He had also lost three semi-finals.
Djokovic is the oldest singles champion since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988, and he shattered Alcaraz’s bid to add gold to the French Open and Wimbledon titles he has already pocketed this summer.
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