Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling vogue to safe a long-awaited Olympic title and full the profession ‘Golden Slam’.
Djokovic, who has gained a males’s report 24 majors and swept up each title there may be in tennis, lastly clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Video games.
The Serb, 37, put in his finest efficiency of the yr to beat French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in entrance of a packed crowd in Paris.
He sealed the title with a forehand winner, then turned in direction of his field – arms outstretched in disbelief – earlier than throwing his racquet to the ground after a draining match which lasted just below three hours.
After hugging Spain’s Alcaraz, Djokovic instantly burst into tears and fell to his knees in the course of the court docket.
He then unfurled a Serbian flag and clambered into the stands to rejoice together with his household and assist group.
Djokovic is simply the fifth participant to win the ‘Golden Slam’ in singles – all 4 majors and the Olympic title – after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.
“The whole lot I felt in that second after I gained surpassed every part I assumed or hoped that it could,” stated Djokovic.
“Being on that court docket with the Serbian flag elevating, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold round my neck, I believe nothing can beat that when it comes to skilled sport.
“It undoubtedly stands out as the largest sporting achievement I’ve had.”
Alcaraz, 21, was additionally in tears after the match, however will depart with a silver medal on his Olympic debut.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti is the singles bronze medallist, having crushed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada on Friday.