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PARIS — The highly anticipated gold medal match in Olympic tennis history took place in Paris, delivering an exciting two-setter and crowning a legendary champion.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, with a score of 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) in a thrilling match at Court Philippe-Chatrier. This victory marked Djokovic’s first gold medal and made him the oldest men’s Olympic singles champion at the age of 37.
Despite coming off minor meniscus surgery, Djokovic displayed exceptional skill during the match, saving eight break points against the 21-year-old Alcaraz, who had defeated him in the Wimbledon final just three weeks prior.
The second set was equally thrilling, with the audience cheering for both players as they engaged in intense rallies.
The match culminated in a second tiebreak, where Djokovic’s powerful forehand secured the victory. Overcome with emotion, Djokovic fell to his knees in celebration before sharing the moment with his family in the stands.
With an impressive record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, 98 career titles, and 428 weeks as the ATP rankings leader, Djokovic has solidified his position as one of the greatest in men’s tennis. Winning the Olympic gold was the missing piece in his illustrious career, having previously earned a bronze in 2008 but falling short in subsequent Olympics.
This victory, especially against the current French Open and Wimbledon champion, further cements Djokovic’s claim to the title of the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.), surpassing rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
While Olympic gold may not carry the same weight as a Grand Slam title in tennis circles, Djokovic’s achievement at a prestigious venue like Roland-Garros against formidable opponents speaks volumes about his skill and determination.
Despite the absence of some top-ranked players, Djokovic’s triumph over Alcaraz, the youngest finalist in men’s singles history, showcases his enduring dominance in the sport.
With this win, Djokovic has improved his head-to-head record against the rising star Alcaraz and continues to assert his presence at the top of men’s tennis.