Novak Djokovic Wins Elusive Olympic Gold Medal to Complete GOAT Résumé

HIGHLIGHT – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts to beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles … (+) The final tennis match on the Philippe-Chatrier court at the Roland Garros stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Paris on August 4, 2024. (Photo: Miguel MEDINA / AFP) (Photo: MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

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Up until Sunday, Novak Djokovic had achieved virtually everything in tennis except winning an Olympic gold medal.

Now the 37-year-old Serb has added it to his resume as the best player in men’s tennis.

In a thrilling match of exceptionally high-quality tennis, No. 1 Djokovic defeated No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in 2 hours and 50 minutes in the gold-medal match at Roland Garros, the Serb’s first title of 2024. He was returning from meniscus surgery two months ago and faced a man who had already won the French Open and Wimbledon this summer.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Djokovic told Peacock’s Britney Eurton. “I’m overwhelmed by everything I feel right now. I’m so proud, so happy, so excited to be fighting for gold and winning gold.

“You could say it was my greatest success.”

Asked if that would be enough to complete his tennis puzzle, Djokovic replied: “I think so.”

HIGHLIGHT – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts to beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles … (+) The final tennis match on the Philippe-Chatrier court at the Roland Garros stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 4, 2024. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA / AFP) (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)

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Djokovic, the all-time men’s singles leader with 24 Grand Slam titles, joins an elite group of players who have won all four major tournaments and Olympic gold: Steffi Graf (1988), Andre Agassi (1999), Rafael Nadal (2010) and Serena Williams (2012).

Djokovic’s previous medal was a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008, where he lost to Nadal in the semifinals; Djokovic was also defeated in the semifinals by eventual champions in London in 2012 (Andy Murray) and in Tokyo three years ago.

“He was already a mythical figure in Serbia, and this just adds to his luster,” Mary Carillo told Peacock.

“There is no doubt that this man has proven to be the best player we have ever seen in this sport,” added Rennae Stubbs.

Neither of them converted a break-chase opportunity in the match. Alcaraz was 0-of-8 break points.

In a match that lasted more than 14 minutes and in which Alcaraz had several chances to break the set, Djokovic held on to a 5-4 lead in the first half.

With the serve level at 5-6, Alcaraz defended the set point and forced a tie-break.

With Alcaraz serving at 3-6 in the break, he hit a potential forehand winner, but Djokovic pounced and hit it over the net to take control of the first set.

The Serb saved eight break points to win the first set in 1 hour and 32 minutes. When Djokovic left the court for a break, Alcaraz held his head in his hands and had a long chat with his court.

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz returns to face Serb Novak Djokovic in men’s singles tennis final … (+) match on the Philippe-Chatrier court at the Roland Garros stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 4, 2024. (Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

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In the second-set tie-break, Djokovic earned an early mini-break for 1-0, then took a 3-2 lead with a forehand winner that Alcaraz was unable to recover.

Alcaraz hit a forehand to give Djokovic a 5-2 lead in the break, then slammed a two-handed backhand into the net to make it 2-6 on his serve.

On his first match point, Djokovic sent a forehand winner down the line and then found Alcaraz at the net.

Djokovic and Alcaraz have split their previous six career matches, with the Spaniard dominating their last match in straight sets in last month’s Wimbledon final. They were 1-1 on clay, and Djokovic won their last meeting in the semi-finals of Roland Garros 2023 when Alcaraz cramped and limped to the finish line.

Serbian Novak Djokovic reacts during his match against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final … (+) tennis match on the Philippe-Chatrier court at Roland Garros stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Paris on August 4, 2024. (Photo: Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

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Alcaraz was looking to become only the second man, after compatriot and Olympic doubles partner Rafael Nadal, to win the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympic gold in the same year. He has won 12 consecutive matches at Roland Garros dating back to the French Open.

“It hurts,” Alcaraz told Eurton. “It hurts to lose the way I lost that match. I had my chances. Novak is playing great, he deserves it.

“In the most difficult and physical moments he raised his level. I’m a little disappointed, but I’ll leave the court with my head held high. Fighting for Spain meant everything to me, I’m proud of how I played today.

“To win a silver medal, I have to be really proud. I’m really proud to be in this position. I’m really proud to bring a medal to Spain. I’m sure my moment will come. One day I’ll bring a gold medal to Spain. I’ll wait for that moment. I’ll work for that moment.”

During his quarterfinal victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic twice called the physiotherapist for his right knee, the same knee he had surgery on in early June after withdrawing from Roland Garros. He said he was “very worried” about his knee, but he bounced back to beat Musetti in straight sets in the semifinals.

And then he defeated Alcaraz and won the coveted gold medal.