Novak Djokovic wrote more tennis history on Sunday, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a battle of the generations to win Olympic gold in Paris.
The 37-year-old Serb finally added a games honour to his 24 grand Slam singles titles as he outlasted the 21-year-old Spaniard 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in a high-octane struggle lasting just short of three hours.
Djokovic fell to the clay of the Chatrier showcourt at Roland Garros overcome with emotion after achieving one of the last dreams remaining in his standout career.
The Serb becomes the second man after Andre Agassi to win all four Grand Slams plus the ATP Finals and the Games during a career; he becomes the oldest men’s singles champion at the Games as he competed in his fifth Olympics.
The gold medal came after Djokovic withdrew from Roland Garros in the fourth round with a knee injury which was immediately treated with keyhole surgery.
He managed just over three weeks later to front up for Wimbledon, losing the final to Spain’s young gun Alcaraz, a former No. 1.
“I can be very self-critical,” Djokovic said in victory. “That’s probably one of my biggest internal battles with myself – that I don’t feel I’ve done enough.
“(That) I haven’t been enough in my life on and off the court.
“So this is a big lesson for me. I’m super-grateful for the blessing of winning an historic gold medal for my country…
“To complete the Golden Slam, to complete all the records.”
The Paris Games was likely his last chance for Olympic glory; Alcaraz could not hold back his tears of disappointment in a match watched by Serena Wlliams. “I gave everything<” the silver medallist said.
“I’m disappointed but I’m gonna leave the court with the head really high.”
The monster opening set took more than 90 minutes, with seven break points in the first five games. None of the 14 break points were converted, with Djokovic saving all eight he faced and Alcaraz turning the favour on his six.
Djokovic made a stand at 4-all, taking a 5-4 lead as he fought off five break points and went on to claim the tiebreaker.
The second set was somewhat less dramatic, with both men holding serve in the struggle between the youngest Olympic finalist (age 21) versus . the oldest Olympic finalist in the Open Era (37) in the gold medal contest.
Djokovic finally made his own personal history for the Gold Medal 🥇
Alcaraz explained the challenge he faced:
“It’s painful to lose the way I lost this match. I had my chances to probably be up in the match. I couldn’t take it.
“Novak was playing great. He deserves this. In the tough moments he increased his level.
“He played unbelievable shots… an unbelievable game.
“Fighting for Spain was everything to me. I’m proud of the way I played today.”
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic celebrates adding his first Olympic Gold to his collection – by ATPTour.com
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