Current:Home > ContactNovak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Olympic gold medal -EquityExchange
Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Olympic gold medal
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:56:32
PARIS – Novak Djokovic finally has an Olympic gold medal around his neck.
After chasing this last prize his entire career – the only major accomplishment in tennis he hadn’t been able to check off – the 37-year old Djokovic was down to his last chance at the Paris Olympics.
Summoning every bit of energy he had left in the tank Sunday, against the 21-year old who has taken his place on top of the sport, Djokovic managed to play one of the best matches of his career to beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 inside Court Philippe Chatrier.
When it was over after 2 hours, 37 minutes and one monster down-the-line forehand on match point, Djokovic dropped his racket and put his hands over his mouth. Then, after an embrace with Alcaraz, he dropped to his knees in exhaustion and emotion and stayed down for nearly a minute. Then he went into the stands, embracing his team and family.
➤ Get Olympics updates in your texts! Join USA TODAY Sports' WhatsApp Channel
2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.
Even for a man with 24 Grand Slam titles and nearly every significant record in the sport, this is the crowning achievement that he has long sought. Because this one wasn’t just for himself, it was for his beloved Serbia.
After gutting defeats in Rio and Tokyo, Djokovic wanted this badly. Even built his year around it. But after injuring his knee during the French Open and having meniscus surgery, it was unclear whether he would even be healthy enough to play the Olympics.
But Djokovic managed to return in time for Wimbledon, getting to the finals before Alcaraz crushed him in three sets.
This one was tightly played throughout, with no breaks of serve on either side. In the end, Djokovic was better in both tiebreakers.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
veryGood! (4655)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Staying In Never Looked This Good: Your Ultimate New Year’s Eve Stay-At-Home Celebration Guide
- Ex-gang leader’s own words are strong evidence to deny bail in Tupac Shakur killing, prosecutors say
- Woman sues dentist after 4 root canals, 8 dental crowns and 20 fillings in a single visit
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- 'It’s an act of resistance:' Groups ramp up efforts in the fight to stop book bans
- What to know about UW-La Crosse chancellor Joe Gow who was fired for porn with wife Carmen Wilson
- Wisconsin university chancellor says he was fired for producing and appearing in porn videos
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Staying In Never Looked This Good: Your Ultimate New Year’s Eve Stay-At-Home Celebration Guide
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- House where 4 Idaho students were slain is being demolished despite families' concerns
- Halle Bailey Gets $500,000 of Christmas Gifts From Boyfriend DDG
- 2023’s problems and peeves are bid a symbolic farewell at pre-New Year’s Times Square event
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Israel bombs refugee camps in central Gaza, residents say, as Netanyahu repeats insistence that Hamas be destroyed
- Mbongeni Ngema, South African playwright and 'Sarafina!' creator, dead at 68
- Pierce Brosnan faces charges after allegedly walking in Yellowstone's thermal areas
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Ex-boyfriend of missing St. Louis woman admits to her murder after Wisconsin arrest: Police
Mexico says a drug cartel kidnapped 14 people from towns where angry residents killed 10 gunmen
Woman sues dentist after 4 root canals, 8 dental crowns and 20 fillings in a single visit
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
As new minimum wages are ushered in, companies fight back with fees and layoffs
Ex-gang leader’s own words are strong evidence to deny bail in Tupac Shakur killing, prosecutors say
Mikaela Shiffrin masters tough course conditions at women’s World Cup GS for career win 92