Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling vogue to assert the long-awaited Olympic title and full the “Golden Slam” of his profession.
Djokovic received a males’s document 24 Grand Slam tournaments and swept all of the championships in tennis earlier than lastly successful the Olympic gold medal in his fifth Olympics.
The 37-year-old Serbian produced his greatest efficiency of the yr in entrance of a packed crowd in Paris, defeating French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2).
He sealed the title with a forehand winner, then turned to his boxers – arms stretched out in disbelief – earlier than throwing his racket to the ground after a grueling match that lasted lower than three hours superior.
After hugging Spanish participant Alcaraz, Djokovic instantly burst into tears and fell to his knees in the midst of the courtroom.
He then unfurled the Serbian flag and climbed into the stands to rejoice along with his household and assist staff.
Djokovic is the fifth individual to win the singles “Golden Slam” (all 4 Grand Slams and the Olympic Video games) after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. champion) participant.
“The second I received, every little thing I felt was past something I might have imagined or hoped for,” Djokovic mentioned.
“Being on the pitch with the Serbian flag raised, singing the Serbian nationwide anthem and sporting a gold medal round your neck, I feel nothing can examine by way of skilled sports activities.
“It is undoubtedly the best sporting achievement I’ve ever had.”
The 21-year-old Alcaraz was additionally in tears after the sport however will go on to win a silver medal in his Olympic debut.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti defeated Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday to win the singles bronze medal.
