Novak Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the men’s singles Olympic tennis final held at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday.
In a match marked by intensity and strategic prowess, Djokovic’s adaptability behind his serve proved decisive.
The No. 1 seed executed two flawless tiebreaks, a signature element of his game that has earned him 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
Now, at age 37, he finally adds an Olympic gold medal to his collection.
For Alcaraz, this silver medal at his first Olympics is a promising start, with the 21-year-old poised for a bright future at the highest level of competition.
The Athletic’s Matt Futterman and James Hansen delve into the final and its implications for tennis.
It’s a rare sight, especially on such grand stages where tension and nerves run high, to witness two all-time greats matching each other’s level for nearly an entire match.
From the outset on Sunday afternoon, it was evident that both Djokovic and Alcaraz brought their highest intensity.
While not always a display of perfect technical execution, with some errors on crucial points, the match was a captivating contest.
It was far from their last encounter at Wimbledon, where Djokovic, recovering from knee surgery, was outplayed by Alcaraz.
This time, Alcaraz, known for his powerful groundstrokes and deceptive drop shots, met Djokovic, who is famed for his defensive prowess and ability to turn defense into offense swiftly.
Their shared intensity elevated the match, though for Djokovic, this might be his final Olympic appearance, unlike Alcaraz who has many more opportunities ahead.
Both players showcased their skills with pressure serves and drop-shot returns. Djokovic’s effort was evident as he moaned during crucial moments, while Alcaraz fought back with powerful forehands aimed at the deepest corners of the court.
The first set lasted an intense 93 minutes, with Djokovic prevailing through one of his signature, error-free tiebreakers and a remarkable forehand drop volley.
He replicated this feat in the second set with powerful forehands into the corners.
The Wimbledon final of 2023, a five-set thriller, saw them taking turns being at their best. In contrast, this match mirrored their 2023 Cincinnati final, another closely fought encounter won by Djokovic in a deciding tiebreak.
After Wimbledon, Djokovic acknowledged Alcaraz’s superiority, particularly his serving.
At Roland Garros, while Alcaraz’s serve wasn’t as dominant, his strategic use of body serves and kick serves to the ad-side kept Djokovic on his toes.
Djokovic, known for his precise serve placement, particularly excelled with swinging serves down the T on the advantage court, challenging Alcaraz’s return position.
Yet, in a crucial game, Djokovic’s hesitation allowed Alcaraz to capitalize, showing the Spaniard’s resilience.
Despite these moments, Djokovic adapted, using Alcaraz’s speed against him and strategically placing balls to exploit Alcaraz’s anticipation.
Djokovic’s honest reflections on his confidence reveal his mental strife. Despite his doubts, he entered Sunday’s final without a tournament win all year and facing a formidable Alcaraz. Yet, his semifinal victory against Lorenzo Musetti showcased his mental strength.
Acknowledging Alcaraz as the favourite, Djokovic still shifted the narrative, emphasizing his improved form and the unpredictable nature of the Olympics.
The final saw Djokovic delivering powerful shots, reminiscent of his peak performances, and using his exceptional backhand to control the match.
His crucial forehands in the tiebreaks, particularly the crosscourt and inside-in shots, were decisive.
As he secured the gold medal, Djokovic expressed his pride and dedication, emphasizing the significance of playing for Serbia. Reflecting on the match, he noted, “When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment that I thought I could win the match.”
Carlos Alcaraz, gracious in defeat, remarked, “It was three hours of great fight, incredible tennis. They were very difficult moments for me… I just couldn’t raise my level in the tiebreaks.”
