Novak Djokovic broke his Olympic semi-final jinx in a class act 6-4, 6-2 win over Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, setting up the gold medal match against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. The 37-year-old Serb had lost three Olympic singles semi-finals before this and hardly allowed any room for further heartbreak at his favorite Roland Garros.
To Djokovic, it would take only Olympic gold to complete his career. Relieve was written all over his face as he lay back on his back with his arms outstretched after clinching the match point. “Three of the previous four Olympic Games I made semis, but didn’t succeed to pass this hurdle,” said Djokovic. “Securing a higher medal for my country is a huge pride and honor. I’m going for gold, but this is a big deal.”
Though strong at the start, Musetti was overpowered as Djokovic broke serve in the 10th game from 40-0 down to take the first set. Worries over his knee aside, after being handed a code violation, Djokovic regained composure, reeling off five games in succession to become the oldest Olympic men’s singles finalist since tennis returned to the Games in 1988.
The second-seed Alcaraz had thrashed Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier earlier, and it took him a shade over an hour to book a place in the final. Alcaraz told reporters after his win over Auger-Aliassime, where he lost just four games to reach the final, said, “It means a lot to be in a final at the Olympic Games. Hopefully it’s going to be the gold one.”
So Sunday’s final has the makings of an exciting contest, with Djokovic acknowledging Alcaraz as the favorite but holding his confidence. “Alcaraz has proved the best player in the world at the moment. But it’s the Olympics; it’s anybody’s game.”
