Novak Djokovic described beating Carlos Alcaraz to assert the Olympic singles gold medal on the fifth try as the most important achievement of his profession on Sunday.
The 37-year-old Serb ended an eight-month trophy drought with a classic show to win 7-6(3) 7-6(2) and full his profession Golden Slam in memorable style, not dropping a set in six matches at Roland Garros.
He is the oldest man to win the Olympic singles title since tennis returned to the Games in 1988 and remarkably he did it 21 days after being pummelled by Alcaraz within the Wimbledon last and two months after present process knee surgical procedure.
“I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games (2008) and ever since then failed to win the medal and played three out of four Olympic Games in semi-finals and couldn’t overcome that obstacle,” Djokovic, proudly carrying his medal, advised reporters.
“And then now at age 37, with a 21-year-old that’s in all probability one of the best participant on the planet proper now, profitable Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back and taking part in unbelievable tennis.
“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I’ve ever had in my career.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion produced a degree of tennis that has been lacking this 12 months to battle off Alcaraz.
After belting away a forehand winner to finish a ferocious, close to three-hour battle, the emotion poured out of Djokovic as he sobbed on court docket earlier than climbing into the stands to embrace his household, together with spouse Jelena and son Stefan, and his group.
“Until today I thought that carrying the Serbian flag at the 2012 opening ceremony in London is the best feeling that an athlete could have,” he mentioned.
“This kind of supersedes everything that I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience and that I could feel.”
Djokovic didn’t rule out taking part in on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, however mentioned the realisation that Paris was in all probability his final swing at gold had motivated him.
“I was ready for this tournament and I didn’t drop a set the entire tournament,” he mentioned. “I knew within the opening two rounds the best way I used to be taking part in that that is my likelihood. If it is ever going to be, it is going to be now.
“When I qualified for the finals, I felt a big relief because that’s the hurdle I wasn’t able to surpass. I did celebrate like I won the tournament. But of course I wanted gold and I knew that I would have to climb the highest mountain there is at the moment, playing Alcaraz.”
Djokovic saved eight break factors throughout a match of gorgeous high quality and depth — the Serb describing the duel as like few others he had ever skilled.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played, maybe a few times in my life, such a high level for three hours for only two sets,” he mentioned. “Credit to him, congratulations to him for a great tournament, great fighting spirit.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr