Novak Djokovic has etched his name into the annals of tennis history once again by completing a Career Golden Slam at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Serbian tennis icon triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in an exhilarating final, securing his maiden Olympic gold medal and becoming the fifth player to achieve this remarkable feat.
In a nail-biting match at Roland Garros, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2). This victory adds Olympic gold to his impressive tally of 24 Grand Slam titles. The 37-year-old, who was competing in his fifth Olympic Games, joined the elite group of players who have won all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic singles gold, alongside legends such as Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams. His triumph also makes him the oldest singles champion since tennis was reintroduced to the Olympics in 1988.
Djokovic‘s emotional celebration included holding aloft the Serbian flag on court before embracing his family in the players’ box. “We almost played three hours; the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match,” said Djokovic, who had previously lost to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. “I put my body, my family on the line to win gold, and finally, I did it.”
Carlos Alcaraz, at just 21 years old, was visibly distraught after the loss. “Three hours, a big battle with tough moments,” said the young Spaniard. “It’s very painful to lose.” Despite a resilient performance where neither player dropped serve, Alcaraz was unable to clinch the victory. Djokovic‘s resilience shone through as he fought off multiple break points throughout the match, ultimately dominating both tie-breaks to secure his win.
Djokovic carved out break points early in the match, but Alcaraz‘s tenacity saved them all. The Serb demonstrated his famed powers of resilience by saving break points in crucial games, leading to a rollercoaster duel. The first set, lasting 93 minutes, saw Djokovic clinch the tie-break, while the second set followed a similar pattern with scintillating shot-making and defensive brilliance from both players.
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Djokovic‘s victory marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. As he celebrated with his family and the Serbian flag, he reflected on the magnitude of his achievement. “Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” he said. “Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport.”
In other Olympic tennis news, Lorenzo Musetti claimed the bronze medal for Italy, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in three sets. This victory gave Italy its first men’s tennis medal in 100 years. Rohan Bopanna Retires From Indian Tennis After Paris Olympics Exit. Additionally, the Russian pair of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider were poised to compete for gold in the women’s doubles, although their achievement would not be recognized in the medals table due to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
Novak Djokovic‘s victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to his enduring legacy and unparalleled skill in the world of tennis. As he continues to break records and set new benchmarks, Djokovic‘s passion for the sport and his country remains as vibrant as ever. This historic win not only completes his Career Golden Slam but also cements his place among the greatest athletes of all time.
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