The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz prepare to face off in the men’s singles final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This match, set for Sunday, promises to be a thrilling clash of generations, with both players eyeing the coveted Olympic gold medal.
At 37 years old, Novak Djokovic is aiming to become the oldest Olympic tennis singles champion since the sport was reintroduced to the Games in Seoul in 1988. This would mark a significant milestone in Djokovic’s illustrious career, as he seeks to upgrade the bronze medal he won at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. A victory would also allow Djokovic to join the elite club of players who have completed the Golden Slam – winning all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold. Only Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf have achieved this remarkable feat.
Despite his impressive track record, Djokovic does not consider himself the favorite for the gold medal. “Alcaraz has proven he’s the best player in the world,” Djokovic admitted, acknowledging the 21-year-old Spaniard’s incredible achievements, including his recent back-to-back victories at the French Open and Wimbledon. “He won Roland Garros, he won Wimbledon, and beat me in the final quite comfortably there,” Djokovic noted, referring to their one-sided Wimbledon final three weeks ago.
Carlos Alcaraz, at just 21, could become the youngest Olympic tennis singles champion in history. A victory would place him alongside tennis legends Graf and Nadal, who won the French Open, Wimbledon, and Olympic gold in the same year. Alcaraz has been in sublime form, reaching the final without dropping a set. “I have imagined winning gold,” Alcaraz revealed. “I have thought about it and visualised it. It is something that boosts my mood, that gives me energy to keep going forward, keep learning, and give all my best every day.”
The upcoming final marks the seventh meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz, with the Spaniard leading their clay court encounters. Alcaraz triumphed over Djokovic in their first meeting in Madrid in 2022, but Djokovic got his revenge in the French Open semi-finals last year, a match where Alcaraz suffered from body cramps due to the stress of facing the Serb.
Djokovic, known for his resilience and competitive spirit, is determined to make the most of what he believes could be his last chance to win an Olympic gold medal. “I was thinking about all the semi-finals that I lost in the Olympic Games and that’s why I was very tense on the court. I was very nervous, a lot of emotions,” Djokovic confessed. His semi-final victory over Lorenzo Musetti was a testament to his fiery determination, despite being warned for swearing and displaying visible frustration.
Both players have made it to the final without losing a set, and Djokovic appears to have recovered from a right knee injury that troubled him during his quarter-final match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. “I feel more confident about myself and my chances in the final,” Djokovic stated, expressing his belief that he is a “different player” compared to the one who lost at Wimbledon.
As the world eagerly awaits this high-profile showdown, the stakes could not be higher. Alcaraz seeks to make history for Spain, while Djokovic aims to cement his legacy with a Golden Slam. Regardless of the outcome, this match is set to be a captivating display of skill, determination, and the enduring allure of Olympic glory.
