Novak Djokovic completed tennis on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 after an impressive performance in the Olympic Games ATP final over Alcaraz at the Court Phillipe-Chartrie in Paris to win a long-awaited Olympic gold medal a piece that was missing in his well-decorated trophy cabinet.
After missing out on gold in his last four appearances in the Olympic games despite winning bronze in Beijing in 2008, and finishing fourth in London in 2012.
Djokovic, who has won a men’s record 24 majors and swept up every title there is in tennis, finally clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Games.
After beating the two-time ATP Tour champion Lorenzo Musetti in the semis, the Serb needed to add a little more oomph in the final against the French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz.
Djokovic put up his ultimate performance of the year to beat Spain’s young sensation Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in front of a packed crowd in Paris.
Despite the failures in his last four Olympic appearances and recent injuries, Djokovic resilience and hard work have yielded him one of the greatest triumphs in his Tennis career.
“I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility of winning gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had,” said Djokovic.
Despite being emotional during a TV interview on the court the 21-year-old Spaniard was able to reflect later with pride on taking silver on his Olympic debut and congratulated Djokovic on his achievement.
“His level was high. He didn’t let me take the chances. I’m proud and I’m leaving the court and leaving the tournament with my head high, knowing that I gave everything that I could.
The win over Alcaraz yesterday saw Djokovic join 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.
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Story by: Rabbi Adu Agyei|univers.ug.edu.gh
