Thirty-seven-year-old Novak Djokovic sealed his Golden Slam in the men’s singles final by getting a thrilling victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz to win the title in Roland Garros. The Serb, never told, prevailed at 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to collect the elusive title that had slipped through his fingers in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo.
In front of a rapt crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic produced one of the finest performances of his career to outlast the 21-year-old Alcaraz. The match was so tight, with even the first set taking an enormous one hour and 33 minutes. Alcaraz was the first to crack in the tiebreak, yet Djokovic took his opportunity, lifting his level with a stunning forehand down the line to complete the victory.
After sealing the title, Djokovic roared to the skies in pure agony, then fell on his knees, celebrating with his family and team. At 34, he is the oldest player ever to win the Olympic singles title since 1988, and this victory filled the last spot on his trophy cabinet—a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles.
“It was an incredible fight, and I had to play my best tennis,” an emotional Djokovic told Eurosport. “I put my heart, my soul, everything to win gold for Serbia.”
Djokovic follows other legends such as Andre Agassi, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf in the players who have made it in all four Grand Slams and the Olympic title.
