Novak Djokovic, known for his resilient spirit, couldn’t hold back tears after clinching victory in the men’s singles final at the Paris Olympics. Despite a remarkable career that includes winning all four Grand Slam titles, Djokovic had long sought the elusive Olympic gold medal, having come close five times before without success.
On Sunday, in a dramatic match held at Roland-Garros, where he had faced a knee injury just months earlier, Djokovic finally achieved his goal. Opposing him was 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star in tennis and his opponent from the recent Wimbledon final. Djokovic, now 37, overcame Alcaraz in a fiercely contested match that lasted almost three hours, taking both sets to tiebreakers with scores of 7(7)-6(3) and 7(7)-6(2).
The atmosphere was electric, with a boisterous crowd adding to the tension as officials repeatedly appealed for quiet. Despite the challenges, Djokovic emerged victorious, collapsing in emotional relief upon his win. “I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Millions of different emotions,” he expressed after the match, extending his gratitude for the historic victory.
As the oldest winner of the Olympic singles tournament since 1908, Djokovic noted the significance of this achievement. He now joins the elite group of players who have completed a “Golden Slam,” alongside legends such as Steffi Graf, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Serena Williams. Having secured 24 Grand Slam titles throughout his career, the most by any male player, this gold medal further solidifies his legacy in the sport.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, though disappointed with his silver medal, expressed pride in his performance and dedication to representing Spain. He acknowledged Djokovic’s exceptional play during critical moments of the match.
On the podium, Italian Lorenzo Musetti took home the bronze medal, marking Italy’s first medal in tennis since the 1924 Olympics. For Djokovic, this win is not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for his country, allowing him to complete the Golden Slam and add another record to his storied career.