NOVAK Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win his maiden Olympic gold medal and become only the fifth tennis player to achieve a Golden Slam (winning the Olympics and all four Grand Slam tournaments).
The 37-year-old Serb, competing in his fifth Olympics, won 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/2) in a thrilling final at Roland Garros to add an Olympic gold medal to his collection of 24 Grand Slam titles.
The win saw her join Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams as the only tennis players to have won all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic also became the oldest Olympic singles champion since tennis returned to the Games in 1988 and denied Alcaraz the chance to add an Olympic gold medal to the French Open and Wimbledon titles he already has this year.
An emotional Djokovic celebrated the win by waving a Serbian flag on the court before climbing into the stands to hug his wife and children.
“We played almost three hours, the last shot was the only moment where I was sure I could win the match,” Djokovic said on Sunday (4/8).
Also read: After Waiting 20 Years, Djokovic Touched to Qualify for Olympic Finals
“I risked my body and my family to win the gold medal and finally I did it,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz showed his disappointment in a pitchside interview after the match.
“Three hours, a big fight with tough moments,” said the 21-year-old after a final in which neither player
lost its service.
Also read: Meet Alcaraz in the 2024 Olympic Final, Here’s What Djokovic Says
“It hurts to lose,” he added.
Djokovic had a break point in the second game of the opening set and three more break points in the fourth, but they were all saved by Alcaraz.
Then it was the Serbian tennis player’s turn to show his toughness by seizing three break points in the fifth game and five break points in the marathon ninth game.
Read also: Djokovic Reaches First Final at Olympics
In a thrilling duel, Alcaraz saved a set point in the 12th game but his veteran opponent dominated the tiebreak to take the opening set after 93 tense minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.
There was no break in the second set. Brilliant hitting coupled with strong defense, Alcaraz managed to seize his 14th break point in the third game.
Once again the set was decided by a tie-break and Djokovic swept to win in 2 hours and 50 minutes. (Ant/Z-1)
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