Novak Djokovic becomes emotional and starts crying after a tense match with Carlos Alcaraz.
This Sunday’s match was the latest chapter in an intriguing rivalry between the experienced Novak Djokovic and the young Carlos Alcaraz, following their Wimbledon final clash just three weeks earlier.
Credit: AP
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shares an embrace with his daughter Tara after his victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Author: HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer
Published: 8:09 AM EDT August 4, 2024
Updated: 12:15 PM EDT August 4, 2024
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PARIS, France — Despite a career full of Grand Slam titles and time as the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic was still missing one significant achievement: an Olympic gold medal for Serbia. At 37, he finally secured it. Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in a gripping men’s tennis singles final at the 2024 Games on Sunday.
“I poured my heart, soul, body, and family into winning this Olympic gold,” Djokovic said. “It was an incredible battle and fight.”
His illustrious career already boasted a record 24 Grand Slam titles and the most weeks at No. 1 in tennis history. He had previously won a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, but had yet to capture gold.
Before his semifinal victory over Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, Djokovic had failed to progress past that stage in previous Olympics. He had lost to Rafael Nadal in Beijing (2008), Andy Murray in London (2012), and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo (2021). Djokovic admitted he felt less nervous before the final because he had already secured a medal.
In Paris, recovering from recent knee surgery, Djokovic overcame Nadal in the second round and went on to become the oldest man to win Olympic singles gold since 1908, thwarting the chance for 21-year-old Alcaraz to become the youngest gold medalist.
When Djokovic secured his victory with a decisive forehand winner, he dropped to his knees in emotional celebration, covered his face with tears, then grabbed a Serbian flag to wave around after hugging his family.
Silver medalist Alcaraz, also emotional, acknowledged Djokovic’s perseverance, saying, “It hurts to lose like this.”
The final, lasting 2 hours and 50 minutes, was a rematch of their recent Wimbledon encounter, which Alcaraz had won. It featured top-level tennis with both players showcasing impressive skills and resilience. Despite the Olympics’ best-of-three-set format, this match was deserving of a major final.
The crowd was deeply involved, alternating chants and cheers, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Djokovic and Alcaraz both played to the crowd, with Djokovic earning the final gold medal he had longed for.
After the Serbian national anthem played, Djokovic kissed his gold medal, finally achieving his long-sought Olympic dream.
