Novak Djokovic captured his first Olympic gold medal in a breathtaking final against Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024, completing a career ‘Golden Slam.’
Djokovic, who has already amassed a record 24 Grand Slam titles, finally added the Olympic gold to his collection after five Games.
The 37-year-old Serbian star delivered his best performance of the year to defeat the French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) in a gripping match that lasted just under three hours. Djokovic sealed his victory with a stunning forehand winner and celebrated by throwing his racquet to the ground before embracing Alcaraz and breaking down in tears.
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Overcome with emotion, Djokovic fell to his knees on the court, later unfurling a Serbian flag and joining his family and support team in the stands to celebrate the historic achievement.
Djokovic is only the fifth player in history to achieve the ‘Golden Slam’—winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold medal in singles—joining an elite group that includes Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf.
“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” Djokovic said. “Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had.”
Despite the defeat, 21-year-old Alcaraz, making his Olympic debut, was emotional but proud of his silver medal. Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti earned the bronze after a victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
