Novak Djokovic won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in men’s singles on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday.
After defeating the Spaniard in straight sets, Djokovic (37) became the oldest Olympic gold winner in men’s singles.
The Serb joined Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to complete the “Golden Slam” by winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Djokovic won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and suffered early defeats at London 2012 and Rio 2016 before losing the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020.
The Serb lost to Alcaraz in the 2024 Wimbledon final in straight sets when he underwent knee surgery after withdrawing from Roland Garros, but has now avenged his defeat in Paris.
“We played two sets for almost three hours. It was an incredible battle, an incredible battle,” said Djokovic. “When the last shot went past him, that was the only time I really thought I could win the match.
“I mean I believed I could win, but actually win because he keeps coming back. He keeps asking me to play my best tennis.”
“I do not know what to say. I’m still in shock, honestly. I gave my heart, my soul, my body, my family, everything I have to win Olympic gold at the age of 37. I finally did it.”
It was also Djokovic’s first title of 2024, losing in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open to eventual winner Jannik Sinner, retiring from Roland Garros and losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
Djokovic has now won 99 singles titles along with 24 Grand Slams — 10 Australian Open, seven Wimbledon, four US Open and three Roland Garros — and now an Olympic medal.
He is the most decorated player in tennis history, ahead of Roger Federer, who finishes with 20 Grand Slams, and Rafael Nadal, who finishes with 22 majors so far.
