Novak Djokovic won his first gold medal in the Olympics after defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in a fierce match, completing a career Golden Slam at Roland Garros. This is Djokovic’s most glorious victory in his career that already contained a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles, the most weeks spent at No 1 in the rankings by any man or woman and a Summer Olympics bronze medal from 2008.
Source : Instagram – @djokernole
“I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had,” said Djokovic.
“I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career. Winning Davis Cup and particularly a golden medal at the age 37 for Serbia is unprecedented. I’m just starting my celebration. I can’t wait for what’s coming up in the next 48 hours.
“I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the Golden Slam. To complete all the records.”
Olympic gold winner Novak Djokovic (centre) on the podium with silver medallist Carlos Alcaraz (left) and bronze medallist Lorenzo Musetti (right) [Claudia Greco/Reuters]
Djokovic is the fifth player to complete the career Golden Slam of all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold, joining Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf. He has plans to continue to play in the 2028 LA Olympics.Â
“I still want to play in Los Angeles,” he said. “I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team.”
Lorenzo Musetti clinched the bronze, while Italy dominated the women’s doubles event, as Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini triumphed over the Russian team of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, who were competing as neutral athletes.