.PARIS-- For every one of his Conquest championships and various other labels, for each of his opportunity at No. 1, Novak Djokovic definitely, really wanted an Olympic gold award for Serbia, the last significant achievement missing out on coming from his glittering ru00e9sumu00e9.He ultimately received one at grow older 37, and also no matter a little bit how much time it took.Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3 ), 7-6 (2) in an appealing and also evenly matched men's tennis songs ultimate at the 2024 Gamings on Sunday." I place my heart, my spirit, my physical body, my family-- my everything-- on the line to succeed Olympic gold," Djokovic stated. "Fabulous struggle. Astonishing battle." Editor's Picks2 RelatedHis excellent occupation presently featured a males's- document 24 Conquest prizes and also one of the most weeks spent atop in the rankings through any kind of male or even woman. It also currently had a Summer months Olympics medal, coming from 2008, but it was a bronze-- as well as he produced it clear that merely wasn't sufficient.Until he surpassed bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 during that round at the Video games. He dropped to the ultimate gold winner each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at Greater London in 2012, and also Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.Before dealing with Musetti, Djokovic claimed, "I felt like, 'OK, let's survive this one.' That is actually why today, prior to the fit, I carried out not think as worried as I will commonly think, considering that I had actually safeguarded a medal." In Paris, putting on a gray sleeve over the correct leg that needed surgery for a torn curve pair of months back, Djokovic encountered Nadal in the 2nd cycle and also removed his long time rival in straight sets. Currently Djokovic is the earliest guy to gain the singles gold in his sport considering that 1908-- as well as he protected against Spain's Alcaraz, that is actually 21, from ending up being the youngest.Serbia's Novak Djokovic falls to his legs after beating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz to win his very first job gold medal. Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWhen the success was his, due to one final forehand victor, Djokovic transformed towards his group in the stands-- being in front of his other half as well as their pair of kids-- fell his noise and knelt on the clay-based. As mental as ever before, he burst into tears and also covered his face, then progressed as well as got a red-white-and-blue Serbian flag.After hugs in the positions, Djokovic swung the banner." In the difficult seconds, he provided it an added push," Alcaraz mentioned via his very own tears. "It hurts to lose similar to this." The ultimate, which lasted 2 hrs, fifty minutes regardless of being actually chosen in merely two collections, was actually a rematch of the Wimbledon title match 3 full weeks ago that Alcaraz won to observe up his French Open label in June.Alcaraz likewise defeated Djokovic in in 2015's last at the All England Nightclub, yet Djokovic gained when they complied with in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open, the yearly clay-court event secured at Roland Garros, the site utilized for tennis throughout these Olympics.Sunday's competition was actually an enthralling match, featuring one of the best to ever do it in Djokovic, as well as the very best currently in Alcaraz. Without a doubt, it could possibly have been irritating for Djokovic to discover themself once more across the web coming from a much younger, faster variation of themself. Perhaps that's why Djokovic regularly sought out and gesticulated and also murmured towards his visitor box.Still, he came out on top." Truthfully, when the swan song looked at him, past him, that was actually the only instant I actually thought I can gain the suit," Djokovic said.It required long swaps filled with outstanding ball-striking, nimble decrease gos-- Alcaraz's usually tended to become even more productive, often therefore great Djokovic declined to even provide pursuit-- and also significant sprinting, sliding, extending protection at each ends. They provided therefore properly that neither received broken even when: Djokovic saved 8 breather points, Alcaraz six.Most amazing, possibly, was exactly how precisely each guys participated in, in spite of the skill of the resistance and pressure of the occasion.The simply shame, possibly, for the fans-- and also normally, Alcaraz-- was that the Olympics utilizes a best-of-three-set layout, as opposed to the best-of-five at Grand Slam events. Make no mistake, this meet between the No. 1-seeded Djokovic and No. 2-seeded Alcaraz was worthy of a significant final.Those in the positions entered into the program, frequently breaking out in to carolers of "No-le! No-le!" or even "Car-los! Car-los!" that frequently overlapped, developing a sonant fugue. In the second set, as Alcaraz attempted to install a return, his fans began shouting, "Si, se puede!" (generally, "Yes, you can!") while drinking their red-and-yellow banners. Seat peacemaker Damien Dumusois occasionally told people to remain silent throughout the action.Yet the place additionally became as peaceful as a theatre between aspects, enough to ensure play was actually put off for a while when the sky close apprehension was punctured by a young kid's crying.Both males played to the group. When Alcaraz dashed to hit one decline try and also down payment it over the internet for a winner, he basked in the raucous reaction through pointing his ideal forefinger to his ear. When Djokovic laced a cross-court forehand victor on the go to cap a 10-shot point to lead 3-2 in the second sudden death, he swayed both upper arms expenses to urge people who actually were actually standing and screaming.The first collection alone lasted much more than 1 1/2 hrs, packed with impressive gos and also legendary video games. One video game lasted 18 points spread over more than a lots magical minutes, including five rest possibilities for Alcaraz, just before Djokovic took care of to contain for a 5-4 top. In the tiebreaker, Djokovic transcended in crunch time, as he so commonly is, taking the final 4 points.At 3-all, Alcaraz delivered a body serve, however Djokovic moved just sufficient to his left to slap a cross-court forehand return champion. After two mistakes through Alcaraz, Djokovic generated a volley winner and counted on face his family members with a clenched fist held high.Another collection, as well as another tiebreaker, eventually, as well as Djokovic possessed that medal that he preferred, at long last.When the Serbian nationwide anthem ended up calling out at Court of law Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic reached for that gold and took it to his lips for a kiss.