Novak Djokovic Wins Elusive Olympic Gold Medal

Before Sunday, Novak Djokovic had accomplished almost everything in tennis, except winning an Olympic gold medal. Now, at 37, the Serbian legend has added this to his illustrious career, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time in men’s tennis.

In an intense and high-quality match, World No. 1 Djokovic triumphed over World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in 2 hours and 50 minutes, at Roland Garros to claim the gold medal. This victory marks Djokovic’s first title in 2024, just two months after undergoing meniscus surgery, against Alcaraz, who had already won the French Open and Wimbledon this summer.

“He was already a mythological creature in Serbia and this only adds gold to his resume,” Mary Carillo commented on Peacock. Rennae Stubbs added, “There is no doubt this man has stamped himself as the greatest player we’ve ever seen play this sport.”

With 24 Grand Slam singles titles, Djokovic joins an elite group of players who have won all four majors and an Olympic gold: Steffi Graf (1988), Andre Agassi (1999), Rafael Nadal (2010), and Serena Williams (2012).

Previously, Djokovic’s only Olympic medal was a bronze from the 2008 Beijing Games, after losing to Nadal in the semifinals. He was also beaten in the semifinals by the eventual champions at London in 2012 (Andy Murray) and Tokyo three years ago.

“I played four Olympic games, this is my fifth and I never passed semifinals,” Djokovic said after his semifinal win over Lorenzo Musetti. “I lost three out of four semifinals in my first four Olympic games and I managed to overcome this big hurdle.”

The gold-medal match saw neither player convert a break-point opportunity. Djokovic held serve after a 14-minute game, leading 5-4 in the first set, and Alcaraz fended off a set point to force a tiebreak. Djokovic clinched the first set by lunging to return a potential forehand winner from Alcaraz, winning 7-6(3) after 1 hour and 32 minutes. Alcaraz, visibly frustrated, consulted with his player box during the break.

In the second set tiebreak, Djokovic gained an early advantage and maintained his lead, ultimately winning 7-6(2). On his first match point, Djokovic secured victory with a forehand winner down the line, then shared a hug with Alcaraz at the net.

Djokovic and Alcaraz had split their six previous encounters, with Alcaraz dominating their most recent match in straight sets at the Wimbledon final last month. They were tied 1-1 on clay, with Djokovic winning their previous meeting at the 2023 Roland Garros semifinals, where Alcaraz struggled with cramps.

Alcaraz aimed to become the second man, after his compatriot Rafael Nadal, to win the French Open, Wimbledon, and Olympic gold in the same year. He had a 12-match winning streak at Roland Garros. “It’s going to be difficult for sure but I will try to be focused on myself,” Alcaraz said before the match. “I try not to hear all the fans, or all the people that say I’m going to win. I’m just going to give my 100%, my best tennis and hopefully I reach my goal to get the gold.”

During his quarterfinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic called the physio twice for his right knee, the same knee he had surgery on in early June. Despite his worries, he recovered to defeat Musetti in straight sets in the semifinals, and then Alcaraz in the final to claim the elusive gold medal.