Novak Djokovic Secures Olympic Gold in Thrilling Final

Novak Djokovic clinched his long-awaited Olympic title by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final at Paris 2024, completing the career ‘Golden Slam.’ The 37-year-old Serbian, who has won a record 24 majors, finally secured Olympic gold in his fifth attempt, beating French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) in just under three hours.

Djokovic’s victory, sealed with a forehand winner, saw him burst into tears and celebrate with his family, waving the Serbian flag. He joins Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as the only players to achieve a ‘Golden Slam’ in singles. “This surpasses everything I thought or hoped it would be,” said Djokovic, calling it his biggest sporting achievement.

Alcaraz, 21, left with a silver medal on his Olympic debut while Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti secured the bronze by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada. Djokovic’s win holds special significance as he overcame a knee surgery scare just two months ago. His family’s support, especially his daughter Tara’s “Dad is the best” sign, underscored the emotional victory.

Novak Djokovic, who previously won singles bronze in Beijing 2008 but fell short in subsequent Games, didn’t drop a set in Paris. The final was a testament to Djokovic’s resilience. He saved all eight break points in the first set and dominated both tie-breaks. Despite an indifferent season marred by injuries and losses, this gold medal was a crowning achievement for Djokovic, who hinted he might compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

In other events, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani won women’s doubles gold, defeating Russian pair Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider. Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Sara Sorribes Tormo took bronze, beating the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova.