Novak Djokovic said he had put “everything on the line” to become the fifth singles player to win the ‘Golden Slam’ of all four grand slam titles and Olympic gold by beating Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Top seed Djokovic edged past second seed Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in a gruelling final of immense quality, breaking down in tears and dropping to his knees after becoming Olympic champion at the fifth attempt.
“We played for almost three hours – it was an incredible battle and fight,” said the 37-year-old, speaking to Eurosport. “When the last shot went through him, that was the only moment when I thought I could win the match.
“I believed I could but he keeps on coming back and asking me to play my best tennis. I don’t know what to say – I’m still in shock.
“I put my heart, soul, body, family, everything on the line to win Olympic gold. Most of all, it’s my country – the pride to play for Serbia. It’s something special.”
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Djokovic vs Alcaraz ‘tense’
Djokovic returned to Roland Garros less than two months after withdrawing from the French Open before his scheduled semi-final with a knee issue which required surgery.
The 37-year-old, who joins Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as the players to have won all of the majors and the Olympics, had previously taken bronze once and finished fourth twice in his best results at the Games.
“For some reason, I never managed to overcome that semi-final hurdle at the Olympics,” reflected Djokovic. “That’s why before the final I did not feel as nervous as I would normally feel, because I’d secured a medal. I was tense, of course, and wanted to deliver my best, but the fact I’d qualified for the final helped.
Djokovic has won it all 🥇#Tennis pic.twitter.com/q6P6i9tdgd
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) August 4, 2024
Alcaraz vs Djokovic: ‘Novak was great’
Alcaraz spurned eight break points and was hindered by nerves during the tie-breaks as Djokovic avenged his defeat in last month’s Wimbledon final.
“It’s painful to lose the way I lost,” the 21-year-old Olympic debutant said. “I had my chances to probably be up in the match. I couldn’t take it.
“Novak was playing great. He deserves this. In the tough moments, he increased his level. He played unbelievable shots… an unbelievable game.
“I’m a bit disappointed but honestly I’ll leave the court with my head really, really high. I gave everything I had. Fighting for Spain was everything to me. I’m proud of the way I played today.”
