Novak Djokovic has once again solidified his claim as the greatest tennis player of all time. The 37-year-old Serb defeated Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 (7-6, 7-6) to capture the gold medal in the men's singles at the Paris Olympics, adding the final major title to his illustrious career.
The old guard proved to be too much for the new. Novak Djokovic delivered one of the greatest performances of his career, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 (7-6, 7-6) to claim the gold medal in the men's singles at the Paris Olympics.
The match between Djokovic and Alcaraz was billed as a dream final, and it lived up to the hype from the very first game. The 37-year-old served for 1-0, but the Spaniard leveled the score in one of many dramatic games in the first set, with the lead changing hands and Djokovic missing a break point opportunity.
The rest of the set was a high-level display of tennis, with the fifth and ninth games in particular showcasing the best of both players.
Break points were exchanged, and neither player could break the other's serve. The climax came at 5-4 for Djokovic, in one of the greatest games in tennis history, as Djokovic saved four break points from Alcaraz to maintain his lead.
The set went to a tiebreak, which the record 24-time Grand Slam champion won 7-3 to take the first set 7-6 after 93 minutes.
The second set was just as exciting as the first, with fans treated to one of the most entertaining matches ever played at the Philippe Chatrier. Alcaraz demonstrated once again why he is the future of tennis, taking over the mantle from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic responded twice with love holds after Alcaraz went up 1-0 and 2-1, while also putting pressure on the young Spaniard when he served.
The 37-year-old Serb saved a break point in the eighth game to level the score at 4-4, and came close to breaking Alcaraz immediately afterwards, saving three break points to reach deuce but unable to convert.
Inevitably, the set went to a tiebreak, where Djokovic displayed his composure and quality. He won 7-2 to claim the set and the match, securing his first Olympic gold medal.