Novak Djokovic completed the career Golden Slam on Sunday afternoon, winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics by beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the men’s singles final.
It was one of the highest-quality tennis matches of the year, decided by very small margins. In fact, there was not a single service break in the entire contest. Djokovic saved all eight of the break points he faced, while Alcaraz fought off six of six.
It came down to Djokovic’s dominance in tiebreakers–one of the trademarks of his career, especially in the more recent stages. The Serb led both ‘breakers pretty much from start to finish.
“We almost played three hours for two sets,” Djokovic noted. “It was an incredible battle; incredible fight. When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I actually thought I could win the match. I mean I believed that 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 joins Steffi Graff, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal as the only players in history who have earned the career Golden Slam.
[yop_poll id=”1402″]
too good
, when do you think djokovic retires?
This gold medal was the last missing piece and perhaps most satisfying victory after a 16 year chase
Sure he’d like to win a 25th slam but does he really care after this crowning glory?
He should retire immediately but I doubt he will
Defend his US Open ,I now believe he can do this.
One of the GOATS of sporting moments .
While Alcaraz played treatment reasonably well, I don’t think he understood it happened l valued it like a major. He may have felt like he was playing fur someone else and not him. It was a learning experience that he needed to have whereas Djokovic had already experienced the pain of defeat in prior years where he experienced similar mixed emotions. Most tennis players griwcup wanting to win Wimbledon, not the Olympics.
And that difference ended up being the difference on the day.
While Alcaraz played reasonably well, I don’t think he understood or valued the situation like a major. He may have felt like he was playing for someone else and not for himself. It was a learning experience that he needed to have, whereas Djokovic had already experienced the pain of defeat in prior years where he had similar mixed emotions. Most tennis players grow up wanting to win Wimbledon, not the Olympics.
And that differences ended up being the difference on the day.