Djokovic Wins Olympic Gold, Completes Career Golden Slam

Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday to secure his first Olympic title, becoming the fifth player to achieve a career Golden Slam. The 37-year-old Serbian, in his fifth Olympic appearance, triumphed 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) in an electrifying final at Roland Garros, adding Olympic gold to his 24 Grand Slam victories.

With this win, Djokovic joins the elite group of Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams, who have won all four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic singles gold. Djokovic also made history as the oldest singles champion since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988, halting Alcaraz’s quest to add an Olympic gold to his French Open and Wimbledon titles this summer.

An emotional Djokovic celebrated by waving the Serbian flag on court before climbing into the players’ box to embrace his family. “We almost played three hours, the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match,” said Djokovic, who had previously suffered a heavy defeat to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final last month. “I put my body, my family on the line to win gold and finally I did it.”

Alcaraz, visibly distraught, struggled through a TV interview. “Three hours, a big battle with tough moments,” said the 21-year-old Spaniard, who did not drop serve throughout the match. “It’s very painful to lose.”

The match was a rollercoaster, with Djokovic saving three break points in the fifth game and another five in a marathon ninth game. Alcaraz saved a set point in the 12th game, but Djokovic dominated the tiebreak to take the first set after 93 minutes.

The second set maintained the high intensity, with scintillating shot-making and resilient defense from both players. Alcaraz fought off the final’s 14th break point in the third game, but Djokovic again prevailed in the tiebreak, clinching victory after two hours and 50 minutes.

In the bronze medal match, Lorenzo Musetti defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in three sets, earning Italy its first men’s tennis medal in 100 years.