Novak Djokovic Downs Carlos Alcaraz for First Olympic Gold Medal

Novak Djokovic spectacularly filled a rare void in his tennis achievements on a Sunday afternoon in Paris. At 37, he put forth his finest performance of the 2024 season, defeating the formidable Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to secure his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic navigated through two tie-breaks, including a monumental 94-minute first set, to triumph over his esteemed adversary and claim the Olympic title, a mere eight and a half weeks post meniscus surgery on his right leg.

His triumph on Court Philippe-Chatrier saw Djokovic realize a long-sought dream by capturing the elusive, significant singles tennis accolade. The record-setting 24-time Grand Slam champion was overtly moved, shedding tears after a forehand winner against Alcaraz confirmed his place at the pinnacle of the podium.

Last month, Djokovic succumbed to Alcaraz at Wimbledon’s final, his sole competition following knee surgery. However, he has now joined the elite ranks of Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams as the fifth player to achieve the ‘Golden Slam’—winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold in singles.

Both Djokovic and Alcaraz displayed extraordinary fortitude under duress, with a first set featuring 13 break points (Djokovic 5, Alcaraz 8) progressing to a tie-break sans a service break. Noteworthy moments included Alcaraz’s comeback from 0/40 in the fourth game and Djokovic’s resilience in a fluctuating ninth game, brimming with thrilling play from both, despite facing five break points.

Djokovic’s ultimate break point in the set also served as a set point at 6-5, 30/40. Unable to capitalize, the Serbian maintained his poise, securing four consecutive points from 3/3 in the tie-break to advance on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Contrary to the opening set, the second set offered few opportunities for returns for both players. However, this was not indicative of a decline in performance from two of the world’s premier players. Djokovic continued to vary the pace to keep Alcaraz on the move, while the Spaniard, who saved the set’s only break point in the third game, showcased his signature shot-making flair.

Djokovic consistently managed to elicit errors from his formidable adversary and also delivered a series of top-tier winners. A sharp cross-court forehand winner at 2/2 in the second-set tie-break exemplified the Serbian’s focus, and he confidently secured the next four points to win the match.

Alcaraz sought to complement his remarkable summer with an Olympic title, having secured his third and fourth Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. At 21, the Spaniard was the youngest finalist in a singles gold-medal match since tennis’s reintroduction to the Olympics in 1988, while Djokovic was the most senior.

The Sunday match marked the second meeting on Court Philippe-Chatrier for the PIF ATP Rankings’ second-placed Djokovic and third-placed Alcaraz, following Djokovic’s victory in the 2022 Roland Garros semi-finals. Djokovic now leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 4-3.

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