Tennis sensation Novak Djokovic has finally captured gold at the Paris Olympics, a milestone that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career until now.
On Sunday, Djokovic solidified his position among tennis’s elite by defeating Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2). The match showcased remarkable intensity, with the two sets spanning nearly two hours and 50 minutes, including a gruelling 93-minute opening set.
Djokovic, who already holds the record for the most men’s major titles with 24, now joins an exclusive group of Golden Slam winners, including Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf. This distinguished group is known for winning all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold.
Following his impressive victory, Djokovic gave no indication of slowing down, with his sights now firmly set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“I still want to play in Los Angeles,” he said.
“I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team.
“It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal so now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”
As Djokovic shifts his attention to his next challenge, an emotional Alcaraz fought through tears, expressing his feeling that he had “let the Spanish people down” after his loss.
“I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards,” he said.
“It was a different type of pressure … everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well.
“I felt that I let the Spanish people down.”
Fans from all corners of the globe were swift to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Djokovic on his “remarkable ” victory.
Djokovic’s Olympic victory comes after he lost to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon Men’s Finals on Sunday, July 14.
-with PA.