Novak Djokovic achieved a long-sought milestone by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match to win the Olympic gold medal, completing his career ‘Golden Slam’.
In a stellar display of skill and determination, Djokovic, 37, outplayed French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz with a 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) victory at Roland Garros. This win, achieved in front of an enthusiastic Parisian crowd, marked Djokovic’s first Olympic gold and his fifth attempt at the Games.
Djokovic sealed his victory with a forehand winner, celebrating with arms outstretched in disbelief before dropping his racquet in exhaustion. The match, lasting just under three hours, concluded with Djokovic and Alcaraz embracing at the net. Overwhelmed with emotion, Djokovic fell to his knees, unfurled a Serbian flag, and celebrated with his family and support team in the stands.
Djokovic’s Olympic gold places him among an elite group of players who have achieved the ‘Golden Slam’—winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold. He joins the ranks of Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf.
“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” Djokovic said. “Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport.”
Despite his loss, 21-year-old Alcaraz earned a silver medal in his Olympic debut and was visibly moved after the match. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti secured the bronze medal by defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
This Olympic victory may hold a special place in Djokovic’s heart, given his tumultuous journey to get there. Two months ago, Djokovic left Roland Garros requiring knee surgery, putting his Olympic aspirations at risk. His family’s presence, particularly his daughter Tara carrying a sign proclaiming “Dad is the best,” added to the emotional weight of his triumph.
Djokovic has often spoken of the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, experiencing a mix of highs and lows in his past Games—winning bronze in Beijing 2008, finishing fourth in London 2012, suffering an early loss in Rio 2016, and losing the bronze medal match in Tokyo 2021. However, his relentless focus in Paris, where he didn’t drop a set, demonstrated his determination to secure the one title that had eluded him.
The match against Alcaraz was a testament to Djokovic’s resilience. He faced eight break points in the first set, saving them all and capitalizing on Alcaraz’s faltering in both tie-breaks. The electric atmosphere, with fans equally split between Spanish and Serbian supporters, added to the match’s intensity.
Djokovic’s performance was near flawless, despite a challenging season marked by a semi-final loss at the Australian Open, an indifferent hard court swing, knee surgery, and a defeat in the Wimbledon final. His win in Paris stands as a crowning achievement in a year of ups and downs.
When asked if he had ‘completed’ tennis, Djokovic replied, “Yes, it’s complete because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal, but no because I love this sport. I don’t play only to win the tournaments.”
While this victory marks a significant milestone, Djokovic’s passion for tennis suggests he may continue competing, potentially aiming for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. For now, he revels in his historic win, celebrating a long journey of dreams realized and new goals on the horizon.
