Paris Olympics 2024: Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win tennis men's singles gold

Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in men's singles tennis final on Sunday (Aug 4) to win the gold at ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Djokovic won the match in 7(7)-6(3), 7(7)-6(2) straight sets.

With the win, Djokovic, 37, became the oldest tennis player to win the men's singles gold since 1988. He's just the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam (all four grand slams and an Olympic gold).

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Before Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf had completed a career golden slam.

The Serbian, playing with knee support, said after the match:"We almost played three hours, the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match."

"I put my body, my family on the line to win gold and finally I did it," he added.

Alcaraz, who had beaten Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 final in straight set last month and had won this year's French Open at the same court as today, was quite emotional after the loss.

"Three hours, a big battle with tough moments," said the 21-year-old "It's very painful to lose."

Djokovic carved out a break point in the second game of the opener and three more in the fourth, all saved by the Spaniard.

Then it was the Serb's turn to demonstrate his famed powers of resilience, fighting off three break points in the fifth game and another five in a marathon ninth game.

In a rollercoaster duel, Alcaraz saved a set point in the 12th game but his veteran opponent dominated the tiebreak to claim the opener after a breathless 93 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

There was no let-up in the second set, scintillating shot-making alongside rousing defence with Alcaraz fighting off the final's 14th break point in the third game.

Again the set was decided by a tie-break and it was Djokovic with history on the line again sweeping through to take victory after two hours and 50 minutes.

(With input from agencies)