.PARIS-- For every one of his Conquest champions and various other labels, for every one of his opportunity at No. 1, Novak Djokovic definitely, definitely wished an Olympic gold medal for Serbia, the final substantial accomplishment missing out on coming from his glittering ru00e9sumu00e9.He ultimately obtained one at age 37, as well as it does not matter a bit for how long it took.Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3 ), 7-6 (2) in an appealing as well as equally matched men's tennis singles final at the 2024 Gamings on Sunday." I place my center, my soul, my body, my family-- my whatever-- vulnerable to gain Olympic gold," Djokovic mentioned. "Awesome struggle. Amazing battle." Publisher's Picks2 RelatedHis remarkable profession presently included a men's- record 24 Grand Slam prizes as well as the best weeks spent atop in the ranks through any sort of male or lady. It likewise actually included a Summer months Olympics medal, coming from 2008, yet it was actually a bronze-- as well as he created it clear that just wasn't sufficient.Until he surpassed bronze champion Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals Friday, Djokovic was actually 0-3 because cycle at the Video games. He shed to the resulting gold champion each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at Greater London in 2012, and also Alexander Zverev in Tokyo 3 years ago.Before encountering Musetti, Djokovic mentioned, "I was like, 'OK, allow's make it through this.' That's why today, before the complement, I performed not experience as concerned as I would typically believe, since I had actually protected an award." In Paris, using a gray sleeve over the right leg that required surgical procedure for a torn crescent 2 months ago, Djokovic encountered Nadal in the second round and also eliminated his long time opponent in straight collections. Right now Djokovic is the earliest guy to win the single people gold in his sport considering that 1908-- and he avoided Spain's Alcaraz, that is actually 21, from becoming the youngest.Serbia's Novak Djokovic drops to his legs after hammering Spain's Carlos Alcaraz to win his very first job gold medal. Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWhen the success was his, because of one final forehand victor, Djokovic switched toward his group in the positions-- sitting in front of his wife and their two children-- lost his noise as well as knelt on the clay-based. As mental as ever before, he wept and covered his face, then rose as well as got hold of a red-white-and-blue Serbian flag.After hugs in the positions, Djokovic waved the banner." In the tough moments, he gave it an extra press," Alcaraz pointed out via his personal splits. "It injures to shed enjoy this." The last, which lasted 2 hrs, 50 mins despite being actually chosen in merely two collections, was a rematch of the Wimbledon title match three weeks ago that Alcaraz won to observe up his French Open label in June.Alcaraz also defeated Djokovic in in 2013's ultimate at the All of England Nightclub, yet Djokovic succeeded when they complied with in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open, the annual clay-court competition secured at Roland Garros, the site used for ping pong throughout these Olympics.Sunday's contest was an enthralling competition, including some of the very best to ever perform it in Djokovic, and the best presently in Alcaraz. Without a doubt, it might possess been actually irritating for Djokovic to locate himself once again across the internet from a much younger, speedier variation of themself. Maybe that is actually why Djokovic often sought out as well as gesticulated as well as sputtered towards his visitor box.Still, he triumphed." In all honesty, when the swan song experienced him, past him, that was the only second I really thought I can easily gain the match," Djokovic said.It required long swaps filled with excellent ball-striking, quick reduce tries-- Alcaraz's had a tendency to become more productive, at times thus really good Djokovic decreased to even give chase-- and enormous sprinting, sliding, flexing self defense at each ends. They offered thus effectively that not either acquired recovered cost when: Djokovic saved 8 breather aspects, Alcaraz six.Most outstanding, perhaps, was exactly how cleanly each guys participated in, despite the ability of the hostility and also stress of the occasion.The simply pity, perhaps, for the enthusiasts-- and normally, Alcaraz-- was actually that the Olympics makes use of a best-of-three-set style, instead of the best-of-five at Grand Slam competitions. Help make indisputable, this experience in between the No. 1-seeded Djokovic as well as No. 2-seeded Alcaraz was worthy of a major final.Those in the positions entered into the show, continuously breaking out into carolers of "No-le! No-le!" or even "Car-los! Car-los!" that typically overlapped, generating an orchestral fugue. In the 2nd collection, as Alcaraz tried to mount a rebound, his proponents began chanting, "Si, se puede!" (practically, "Yes, you can!") while drinking their red-and-yellow banners. Seat umpire Damien Dumusois periodically told individuals to continue to be quiet during the course of the action.Yet the area likewise became as quiet as a cinema between points, sufficient to make sure that play was delayed quickly when the sky close apprehension was punctured through a young kid's crying.Both males played to the crowd. When Alcaraz dashed to reach one drop shot and also down payment it over the internet for a champion, he indulged in the raucous reaction by aiming his appropriate index finger to his ear. When Djokovic entwined a cross-court forehand victor on the go to cap a 10-shot point to lead 3-2 in the second sudden death, he waved both arms expenses to urge folks who presently were actually standing and screaming.The very first collection alone lasted greater than 1 1/2 hrs, packed with legendary gos and also impressive video games. One video game lasted 18 factors topped more than a lots thrilling moments, consisting of 5 rest possibilities for Alcaraz, just before Djokovic took care of to carry for a 5-4 top. In the sudden death, Djokovic was superior in crunch time, as he therefore often is, taking the last four points.At 3-all, Alcaraz supplied a physical body provide, yet Djokovic slid only enough to his left to slap a cross-court forehand return victor. After 2 mistakes through Alcaraz, Djokovic produced a volley victor and counted on face his family members with a hand held high.Another collection, as well as yet another sudden death, eventually, as well as Djokovic had that medal that he yearned for, at lengthy last.When the Serbian nationwide anthem ended up ringing out at Court Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic reached for that gold as well as brought it to his lips for an embrace.