Another lifelong dream is achieved! Novak Djokovic is an Olympic Champion!
Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz to win a gold medal, representing Serbia in Paris Olympic final.
In a stunning finale, the 24-time Grand Slam titlist defeated Alcaraz in straight sets 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) to take the match in two hours and 50 minutes.
Novak delivered his best performance in 2024 to overcome the in-form Spaniard.
With the brilliant triumph, he has become just the fifth player, after Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, to complete the Golden Slam, winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles.
Nole was very emotional after sealing his spot at the top of the podium. “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.”
Watch the match point here.
Match statistics: aces (1-1), double faults (2-1), winners (25-41), unforced errors (25-33), total points won (101-90).
Photo: AP