Novak Djokovic has won his first Olympic gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. This victory marks the last significant achievement missing from Djokovic’s illustrious career.
Djokovic, 37, produced an emotional and stunning display to defeat Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in a match that will be remembered as one of the greatest of the year. This win completes Djokovic’s career Golden Slam, adding to his men’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles and most weeks spent at No 1 in the rankings.
Djokovic had previously won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics but had never won gold, losing to the eventual winner each time. However, playing for Serbia, he produced a superb performance to win in straight sets, despite losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final just three weeks ago.
An overwhelmed Djokovic expressed his emotions, saying, “I’m too proud, too happy, thrilled to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country.” He considered this win the biggest success of his career, having already won everything there is to win individually.
Djokovic celebrated his historic win, saying, “I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a golden medal for my country. To complete the Golden Slam. To complete all the records.”
He joins Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as just the fifth player to complete the career Golden Slam of all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold.
