Novak Djokovic has made history once again, securing Serbia its long-awaited Olympic gold medal in tennis. The 37-year-old tennis legend triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
Djokovic’s victory not only earned him his first Olympic title but also made him just the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam.
In recognition of his remarkable achievement, the Serbian government awarded Djokovic a prize of 200,000 euros. Demonstrating his characteristic generosity, Djokovic announced that he would donate the entire sum to various Serbian charitable organizations. This gesture has sparked a wave of positive reactions and admiration throughout Serbia.
The historic final took place at the iconic Roland Garros, where Djokovic faced off against the formidable 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. In a match that lasted nearly three hours, Djokovic emerged victorious with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2). This win added an Olympic gold medal to his already impressive collection of 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic’s victory at the Paris Games places him among an elite group of tennis players who have won all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic singles gold. He joins the ranks of Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams, who was present to witness the historic moment.
Competing in his fifth Olympic Games, Djokovic also became the oldest singles champion since tennis was reintroduced to the Olympics in 1988. His victory denied Alcaraz the chance to add an Olympic gold to his French Open and Wimbledon titles won earlier this summer.
An emotional Djokovic celebrated his victory by proudly waving the Serbian flag on the court before joining his family in the players’ box. “We almost played three hours; the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match,” said Djokovic, reflecting on the intense battle. “I put my body and my family on the line to win gold, and finally, I did it.”
Carlos Alcaraz, visibly distraught after the match, struggled to contain his emotions during a post-match interview. “Three hours, a big battle with tough moments,” said the young Spaniard. “It’s very painful to lose.”
The final was a showcase of resilience and skill from both players. Djokovic carved out a break point early in the match but was met with strong resistance from Alcaraz. The Spaniard saved multiple break points, pushing Djokovic to his limits. However, the veteran Serb’s experience and tenacity shone through in the tie-breaks, securing the opener after a grueling 93 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The second set continued in the same vein, with scintillating shot-making and fierce defense from both players. Alcaraz fought off numerous break points, but Djokovic’s determination prevailed in the tie-break, clinching the historic victory after two hours and 50 minutes of high-octane tennis.
In the men’s singles bronze medal match, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in three sets, earning Italy its first men’s tennis medal in 100 years.
