Novak Djokovic has finally captured the one thing that has eluded him throughout his storied career: an Olympic gold medal.
On Sunday, the 37-year-old Serbian beat Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Games, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2), becoming the oldest men’s singles champion in Olympics history.
Apparently, this title meant more to Djokovic. While celebrating on the clay court, he cried, covered his face and dropped to his knees.
“I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said in a post-match interview, per Ed McGrogan of Tennis.com. “Arguably the biggest success I ever had.”
Winning the gold medal furthers Djokovic’s case as, arguably, the greatest men’s singles player of all time. He joined Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams as the only players to complete the Golden Slam: all four Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon, U.S. Open, French Open and Australian Open) and the Olympics singles gold medal.
The match could be considered one of the best in Djokovic’s career. Alcaraz is entering his prime. The 21-year-old won the French Open in June and defeated Djokovic in straight sets at the Wimbledon final in July.
Although Djokovic won in straight sets, Alcaraz pushed him throughout the match, which lasted two hours and 50 minutes. According to McGrogan, in a 93-minute first set, the top two seeds in the Paris Games saved a combined 12 break points. However, the Spaniard missed on five break points in the ninth game, costing him.
Djokovic, who hadn’t won a major title this season, was also dealing with injury concerns entering this event. He tore his right meniscus at the French Open and underwent surgery after withdrawing from the tournament.
He overcame his challenges, though, and turned in a brilliant performance in what was likely his last Olympics.