Djokovic Defeats Alcaraz To Clinch First Olympic Gold Medal …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to clinch his first Olympic gold medal in the Paris 2024 Men’s Tennis Singles event on Sunday, August 4.
Djokovic, who had suffered defeats against Alcaraz at the Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024, redeemed himself by winning gold and completing his career ‘Golden Slam.’
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In an interview with newsmen, Djokovic, as reported by ATPtour, described the final as a Herculean task, admitting Alcaraz’s prowess.
“We played almost three hours for two sets. It was an incredible battle, incredible fight,” said Djokovic.
“When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I actually thought I could win the match. I mean, I believed I could win, but to actually win it, because he keeps on coming back. He keeps on asking me to play my best tennis.
“I don’t know what to say. I’m still in shock, honestly. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold at age 37. I finally did it.”
Djokovic’s victory marked the fulfillment of a long-held objective of clinching the one significant prize in singles tennis that had eluded him for so long.
The record 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly emotional and tearful after firing a forehand winner past Alcaraz to seal his spot at the top of the podium.
“Everything [about this is special], but most of all it is my country,” said Djokovic.
“It’s my pride to play for Serbia. I know Carlos and Rafa [Nadal] love to play for Spain. Andy [Murray] loved to play for Great Britain. Roger [Federer] for Switzerland. Alex Zverev won in Tokyo for Germany. You saw the reactions of all these guys when they won. It’s something special.”
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