PARIS, AUG 4: Novak Djokovic won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 after beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in men’s singles at the Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday.
Djokovic, 37, became the oldest Olympic gold winner at men’s singles after his win over the Spaniard in straight sets.
The Serb joined Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to complete the “Golden Slam” by winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic won bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and suffered early defeats at London 2012, Rio 2016 before losing the bronze-medal match at Tokyo 2020.
The Serb lost to Alcaraz at the 2024 Wimbledon final in straight sets as he underwent knee surgery after withdrawing from Roland Garros but has now avenge his defeat in Paris.
“We almost played three hours for two sets. It was an incredible battle, incredible fight,” said Djokovic. “When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I actually thought I could win the match.
“I mean I believed that I could win, but to actually win it, because he keeps on coming back. He keeps on asking me to play my best tennis.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m still in shock, honestly. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold at age 37. I finally did it.”
This was also Djokovic’s first title of 2024 as he lost in the Australian Open 2024 semi-final to the eventual winner Jannik Sinner, withdrew from Roland Garros and lost to Alcaraz at the Wimbledon final.
Djokovic has now won 99 singles titles along with 24 Grand Slams — 10 Australian Open, seven Wimbledon, four US Open and three Roland Garros — and now an Olympic medal.
He is the most decorated player in the history of tennis, ahead of the likes of Roger Federer, who retired with 20 Grand Slams, and Rafael Nadal who is edging retirement with 22 majors to his name so far.
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