Djokovic beats Alcaraz to claim his first Olympic gold medal

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to claim his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s singles tennis event at Paris 2024 on Sunday, August 4.

Djokovic, who had suffered defeats to Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals, redeemed himself by winning gold and completing his career ‘Golden Slam’.

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In an interview with reporters, Djokovic reportedly ATP TournamentHe described the final as a Herculean task, acknowledging Alcaraz’s skill.

“We played almost three hours for two sets. It was an incredible battle, an incredible fight,” Djokovic said.

“When the last shot went over him, that was the only time I really thought I could win the match. I mean, I believed I could win it, but really win it, because he keeps coming back. He keeps 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, everything on the line to win Olympic gold at 37 years old. I finally did it.”

Djokovic’s victory marked the fulfilment of a long-cherished goal of claiming the one major prize in singles tennis that had eluded him for so long.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly emotional and tearful after firing a forehand winner past Alcaraz to seal his place at the top of the podium.

“All [about this is special]“But above all it is my country,” Djokovic said.

“It is an honour for me to play for Serbia. I know Carlos and Rafa [Nadal] I love playing for Spain. Andy [Murray] Roger loved playing for Great Britain. [Federer] “For Switzerland. Alex Zverev won in Tokyo for Germany. You saw the reactions of all these guys when they won. It’s something special.”