2024-08-04 21:55:02
Novak Djokovic has finally completed the career Golden Slam. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in a thrilling and competitive match that was tightly contested from beginning to end. He now has the Olympic gold medal he has sought his entire 20-year career.
Alcaraz, 21 and at his first Olympics, fought hard, but he wasn’t quite as disciplined as the far more experienced Djokovic. As the match wore on and Alcaraz couldn’t get any breathing room between him and Djokovic, he began to get frustrated, talking to (and sometimes yelling at) himself between points. That’s always a red flag for Alcaraz, who is at his best when he’s smiling and enjoying the match. But he couldn’t control this one, and Djokovic, playing his best tennis since 2023, refused to yield.
Until now, Djokovic hadn’t won a single title this season. And for the first time in 14 years, the 37-year-old hadn’t won any of the first three Grand Slams of the year. But he put on a show of grit and patience, and combined with Alcaraz’s athleticism and showmanship, it was a match for the ages. Alcaraz can be proud of his silver medal and of how hard he played against Djokovic, who seemed to have his old magic back. But for Djokovic, this gold medal has finally filled the one gaping hole in his long, trophy-studded resume.
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Djokovic wins the set after laser-focused tiebreak
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 04: Novak Djokovic of Team Serbia celebrates winning the first set tie breaker during the Men’s Singles Gold medal match against Carlos Alcaraz of Team Spain at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Alcaraz and Djokovic stayed together in the tiebreak through 3-3, but then Djokovic pulled away. After Alcaraz sent a drop shot to Djokovic, Djokovic returned it with his own bonkers drop shot that was entirely out of reach for Carlitos.
Djokovic is 37 and coming off of minor meniscus surgery, and he’s keeping up with a 21-year-old virtuoso who beat him just a month ago at Wimbledon. He also prevented Alcaraz from breaking him even once in the first set. Alcaraz was 0-for-8 in break points, which is tremendously unusual for him.
If Djokovic wins this gold medal, he will absolutely deserve it. Not because of his long, successful career, but because of his performance today. He’s had to dig deeper and be more creative against Alcaraz than any other opponent he’s faced in Paris over the last week.
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