Novak Djokovic has conquered the final frontier, overcoming Spanish whiz-kid and Wimbledon nemesis Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Olympics gold medal in five attempts.
A career golden slam, completed when a player has won all four majors and an Olympics gold medal, has eluded Djokovic during an illustrious career that has included a record 24 men’s singles grand slams.
Novak Djokovic during the gold medal match against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Paris Games.Credit: Getty Images
On Monday morning he climbed the last mountain of his career, defeating Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) at Roland-Garros to ensure he will finish his time in tennis having achieved everything there is to do in the sport.
Djokovic came into the match with the scars of Wimbledon fresh in his mind after a straight sets loss to Alcaraz just a month ago, surrendering the crown at the All England Club to the Spaniard for the second consecutive year.
Throughout his decorated career, Djokovic’s dominance has been highlighted in the winning records he has enjoyed against both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz’s emergence over the past few years has triggered a changing of the guard and Djokovic went into the fixture with a 50-50 record against the 21-year-old.
The Spaniard played some audacious tennis in the opening set but failed to convert eight break points, including four in one Djokovic service game, opening the door for Djokovic to claim the first set in a tie-break (7-3).
The second set followed the same trajectory into a tie-break. Djokovic played one of the shots of the tournament with a sublime cross-court forehand that prevented Alcaraz gaining a mini-break and turned the momentum in his favour.
