Novak Djokovic has secured an Olympic gold medal in men’s tennis singles at the 2024 Games, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in a tightly contested final on Sunday.
This victory completes Djokovic’s Golden Slam, adding to his extensive list of achievements that includes 24 Grand Slam titles and the most weeks at No. 1 in the rankings by any player.
Djokovic’s pursuit of Olympic gold has been a long-standing ambition. He previously won a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics but had fallen short in subsequent Games, losing in the semifinals to Rafael Nadal (2008), Andy Murray (2012), and Alexander Zverev (2021). In this tournament, Djokovic overcame bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals.
“Incredible battle. Incredible fight,” Djokovic said after the match. “I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family — my everything — on the line to win Olympic gold.”
Facing Alcaraz, who is 21 years old and the current French Open champion, the 37-year-old Djokovic made history as the oldest man to win the singles gold in tennis since 1908. The match, which lasted 2 hours and 50 minutes, featured long rallies, impressive drop shots, and strong serving, with neither player breaking serve. Djokovic saved eight break points, while Alcaraz saved six.
The final was a rematch of the recent Wimbledon title match, where Alcaraz defeated Djokovic. However, Djokovic had previously bested Alcaraz in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open. The crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier was vocal, with chants of “No-le! No-le!” and “Car-los! Car-los!” creating a lively atmosphere.
Djokovic showed emotional moments after his victory, dropping his racket, kneeling on the clay, and covering his face. He then celebrated with his team and waved a Serbian flag. Alcaraz, reflecting on his defeat, said, “It hurts to lose like this.”
The first set alone lasted over 1 1/2 hours and included an 18-point game with five break chances for Alcaraz, which Djokovic ultimately held. In the tiebreaker, Djokovic won the last four points, demonstrating his usual proficiency in critical moments.
Djokovic expressed his determination before facing Musetti in the semifinals: “I was like, ‘OK, let’s get through this one.’ That’s why today, before the match, I did not feel as nervous as I would normally feel, because I had secured a medal.”
When the Serbian national anthem concluded, Djokovic kissed his gold medal, marking the culmination of his long quest for Olympic success.
