Novak Djokovic has finally achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Djokovic, 37, won the match 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in front of a packed crowd, securing his first Olympic title in his fifth Games.
This victory marks a historic moment for Djokovic, who has now completed the career ‘Golden Slam’ – winning all four majors and the Olympic title.
Djokovic’s win was met with an emotional reaction, as he turned towards his box with arms outstretched in disbelief before throwing his racquet to the floor.
Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but will leave with a silver medal on his Olympic debut.
Djokovic’s family watched on from the stands, bearing Serbian flags, with daughter Tara carrying a sign that said “Dad is the best”.
This moment will mean as much to Djokovic, if not more, than all the Grand Slams, Masters 1,000 titles, and ATP tournaments he has won.
Djokovic has spoken about seeing the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, and the emotions of representing his country have affected him in his past four Games.
He won singles bronze in Beijing in 2008, finished fourth at London 2012, suffered an emotional early loss in Rio in 2016, and lost the bronze-medal match in Tokyo three years ago.
However, Djokovic did not drop a set in Paris and was focused from the outset, determined to get his hands on the one prize that had eluded him for so long.
The final match itself was a test of his determination – he was on the back foot in the first set but did not give in, saving all eight break points he faced and taking advantage as Alcaraz faltered in both tie-breaks.
The match was played in a superb spirit, with both players often left laughing at the quality of the other’s shot-making.
The crowd was equally split between Spanish fans, decked in flags, and Serbia supporters carrying signs with “Nole” – Djokovic’s nickname – written on.
An electric atmosphere added to the tension – Alcaraz looked the more nervous and had to save a break point in his opening game, but he pushed Djokovic to the limit with his mix of touch and power.
However, Djokovic simply would not give in. He played some of his best tennis when down break point and, after taking the first set, was full of confidence.
Djokovic has had a difficult season, losing in the Australian Open semi-finals to Italy’s Jannik Sinner, having an indifferent hard court swing, needing knee surgery after injuring himself at Roland Garros, and being completely outplayed in his only final of the season so far at Wimbledon.
However, this victory will only make his season sweeter, as he shows no sign of stopping.
