Novak Djokovic’s epic last stand ends long quest for Olympic gold medal

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After losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, Novak Djokovic quickly accepted the tough loss on Centre Court.

While watching Alcaraz dominate the one-sided final, Djokovic found solace in the fact that a greater goal was on the horizon. Winning the Wimbledon final wasn't at the top of his list of priorities at the beginning of the year.

Only three weeks later, Djokovic felt motivated and finally achieved his goal of winning his first Olympic gold medal. He got revenge by defeating Alcaraz in a thrilling final match at Roland Garros with a score of 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).

At age 37 and competing in his fifth Olympics, Djokovic finally won the one title he had not yet achieved in order to complete the career golden slam. Despite tearing his meniscus in his right knee just two months prior and undergoing surgery, Djokovic returned to the court at Philippe-Chatrier to defeat his younger rival in what he described as one of his greatest victories. This win not only secured a gold medal for Serbia but was also deemed by Djokovic as his "biggest sporting achievement", surpassing even his record 24 grand slam titles.

In this way, he was able to control Alcaraz just when the Spaniard seemed to be playing even better than Djokovic at this point in his career. Djokovic fought hard, first stopping and then outlasting Alcaraz in a intense 93-minute first set. He faced Alcaraz's strong athleticism and shot-making in a dramatic final showdown that highlighted his best qualities as a tennis player. Djokovic persevered, staying strong in every part of his game, and coming through in crucial moments to secure a historic win in one of the most unforgettable Olympics finals ever seen.

After winning in 10 Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, four US Opens, seven ATP Finals, 40 ATP 1000 titles and the Davis Cup, Djokovic has finally achieved the Olympic gold to complete his impressive career. He is now just the fifth player to accomplish the career golden slam in singles, joining the ranks of Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf.

Djokovic had to play his absolute best to defeat Alcaraz with a chance to make history, but he reached a level that seemed out of reach for most of the season. Surprisingly, the Serbian also broke an eight-month streak without a title at his most significant tournament of the year.

"I'm really excited that I was able to achieve this victory here, especially against someone who is currently considered the best player in the world. I'm just thrilled." Djokovic expressed.

Winning surpassed all my expectations and hopes, even more than carrying the flag at the 2012 opening ceremony, which I thought was the best feeling ever.

"Standing on the court with the Serbian flag waving high, belting out the Serbian anthem, wearing the gold medal around my neck, I believe nothing compares to that experience in terms of professional sports. It truly remains as the greatest accomplishment in my athletic career."

The intense final match brought out powerful emotions for Djokovic. He had never felt such overwhelming feelings in his sport before, especially when he won the gold medal for his country. He first seemed shocked, dropping his racket and turning to his supporters with wide eyes. Then tears flowed as he fell to the ground, gazing up at the sky while sobbing. On the other side of the court, Alcaraz was speechless during his TV interview, hiding his face in disbelief. He will have more chances in the future. Djokovic, who will be older when the next Olympics come around, knew this was a special moment that added to his already legendary career.

Djokovic admitted he felt like he wasn't as good as Alcaraz after losing to him in the Wimbledon final a few weeks ago. The Olympic final at Roland Garros was very different. Djokovic played really well in the beginning, with lots of chances to break Alcaraz's serve. He saved five of these chances in a very important game, preventing Alcaraz from serving for the set. Alcaraz was playing really well, making incredible shots, which made Djokovic amazed at how hard it was just to win a point.

However, Djokovic managed to survive and make it to the tiebreak, patiently waiting for his opportunity to make a move. The first six points were evenly divided between the players, but Djokovic took advantage of a slower second serve from Alcaraz to hit a forehand winner. This seemed to shake Alcaraz, as he made two consecutive mistakes from the baseline, giving Djokovic a set point. Just when Alcaraz thought he had made a stunning crosscourt forehand winner on the run, Djokovic surprised him with a quick, soft drop volley. Djokovic maintained his position with his arm raised high as he took the lead.

One hour later, they were still in the same spot when the second tiebreaker began. Alcaraz had somehow survived in the match, handling some tough moments while serving, but he couldn't get any momentum going. However, Alcaraz staying in the game might have been a warning sign. Ever since winning the French Open two months ago, the Spanish player has shown he can fight back from difficult situations. On the contrary, Djokovic stepped up his game during the tiebreak, making it an intense and thrilling finish to the match.

Djokovic was seven points away from winning the match, and he knew it wouldn't be easy to defeat Alcaraz. Djokovic turned the tables by using some of Alcaraz's own tactics against him. During a crucial moment in the second tiebreak, Djokovic managed to return a powerful backhand from Alcaraz, making a wide run to his left that almost took him off the screen. Djokovic hit a lob that landed inside the baseline, causing Alcaraz to make a mistake with a forehand shot that hit the net.

It devastated Alcaraz, but boosted Djokovic. He then hit three flawless forehands, putting all of his energy into a shot that flew past Alcaraz. Alcaraz made two mistakes, giving Djokovic the chance to win the match. Djokovic seized the opportunity and hit another forehand winner, securing his place in tennis history.