Novak Djokovic has added an Olympic gold medal to his illustrious career at the Paris Olympics, becoming the oldest man to win gold in singles tennis since 1908. To whom much is given, much is tested. Among all his Grand Slam title victories, Djokovic described his PlayStation-like performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris 2024 Olympics tennis final as the pinnacle of his career on Sunday. Does this signify the end of Djokovic’s career after completing his Golden Slam? Not according to Djokovic. The top seed still feels he has plenty left to give, as the Serbian star aims to compete in the Los Angeles Games 2028 after securing the elusive Olympic gold for his overflowing trophy collection.
An emotional Djokovic revealed that he put his heart and soul into winning his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games. Despite a 16-year age gap, Djokovic triumphed over his latest singles rival, Alcaraz, with a score of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) in the Roland Garros showdown, ending his long pursuit of Olympic gold. The 37-year-old faced Olympic setbacks in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo before setting up this final clash with the Wimbledon champion at the Paris Games.
Tale of Two Sets at Roland Garros
Djokovic was bested by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final this year. Two months before the Summer Games, Djokovic tore his meniscus in the fourth round of the French Open at the same venue. Sporting a grey sleeve over his right knee throughout the Olympics 2024 campaign, Djokovic started strong to take crucial time away from the Spaniard, dubbed Rafael Nadal 2.0 by commentators in Paris. The first set of the final lasted over 1½ hours, with Djokovic saving eight break points to claim the opening set.
Djokovic’s excellent serving and strategic net play tested Alcaraz. Relying on his shot selection, Djokovic capitalized on Alcaraz’s errors in the tiebreak. A powerful forehand return winner gave Djokovic the edge at 3-3. Nole’s drop volley winner concluded the marathon set. Despite Alcaraz’s early break point in the second set, Djokovic held firm, leading to another tiebreak. The two top seeds delivered a PlayStation-like performance in the unforgettable final. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, won the last four points in the tiebreaker. The 37-year-old’s explosive forehand winner down the line etched his name in the record books once again.
GOAT Seizes Gold in Paris
Before this final, Djokovic’s best Olympic performance was a bronze in singles at the 2008 Beijing Games. When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Roger Federer had 12 Grand Slams, and Rafael Nadal had solidified his French Open legacy. Fast-forwarding to today, Djokovic stands alone with 24 Grand Slam titles, with his closest rival trailing by four Grand Slams.
Djokovic’s hands visibly trembled following his historic win over Alcaraz. His daughter Tara held a sign that read, “Dad is the best,” as his children watched from the stands during the Olympic gold medal match. Overcome with emotion, Djokovic shared a heartfelt hug with his daughter and family after clinching gold for Serbia at the Summer Games. Djokovic did not drop a set throughout the men’s singles tournament, making him the oldest player to win an Olympic singles gold medal.
Golden Slam
Before Sunday, Djokovic’s proudest moment was being Serbia’s flag bearer at the London Games opening ceremony. Of his 24 Grand Slam titles, half have come after he turned 30. At 37, Djokovic has completed the Golden Slam, joining the ranks of Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams by winning all four Grand Slam events and an Olympic gold in singles. The wait is finally over for the G.O.A.T Novak Djokovic.
