.PARIS-- For every one of his Conquest championships and other titles, for every one of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic definitely, truly wanted an Olympic gold award for Serbia, the final notable success missing out on from his glittering ru00e9sumu00e9.He lastly acquired one at age 37, and it does not matter a little the length of time it took.Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3 ), 7-6 (2) in a fascinating and equally matched guys's ping pong single people last at the 2024 Games on Sunday." I put my heart, my soul, my body system, my family members-- my every little thing-- on the line to win Olympic gold," Djokovic mentioned. "Astonishing battle. Fabulous match." Editor's Picks2 RelatedHis remarkable occupation presently included a men's- report 24 Grand Slam trophies as well as the absolute most full weeks spent atop in the rankings through any sort of guy or female. It likewise presently had a Summer Olympics medal, from 2008, however it was a bronze-- and he created it very clear that simply had not been sufficient.Until he got past bronze champion Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals Friday, Djokovic was 0-3 because round at the Gamings. He dropped to the ultimate gold victor each time: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at Greater London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.Before dealing with Musetti, Djokovic said, "I was like, 'OK, let's survive this set.' That's why today, before the suit, I carried out certainly not feel as tense as I will commonly think, because I had actually safeguarded a medal." In Paris, using a gray sleeve over the best leg that required surgical procedure for a torn crescent two months earlier, Djokovic encountered Nadal in the second cycle and also eliminated his longtime rival in organized collections. Now Djokovic is the earliest male to win the songs gold in his sport due to the fact that 1908-- and also he stopped Spain's Alcaraz, that is actually 21, from becoming the youngest.Serbia's Novak Djokovic falls to his legs after beating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz to win his initial career gold award. Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWhen the victory was his, with the help of one final forehand victor, Djokovic turned toward his staff in the stands-- being in front of his better half as well as their two children-- lost his racket and also knelt on the clay-based. As psychological as ever before, he cried and also covered his face, after that rose and also took hold of a red-white-and-blue Serbian flag.After hugs in the positions, Djokovic swayed the banner." In the difficult moments, he gave it an additional press," Alcaraz mentioned through his personal splits. "It injures to drop like this." The last, which lasted 2 hours, 50 minutes in spite of being made a decision in just pair of collections, was a rematch of the Wimbledon championship 3 weeks ago that Alcaraz gained to adhere to up his French Open headline in June.Alcaraz likewise beat Djokovic in in 2015's ultimate at the All England Nightclub, however Djokovic succeeded when they satisfied in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open, the yearly clay-court competition secured at Roland Garros, the internet site utilized for tennis throughout these Olympics.Sunday's competition was an enthralling matchup, featuring among the greatest to ever before do it in Djokovic, as well as the most effective right now in Alcaraz. Certainly, it can have been frustrating for Djokovic to find themself once again across the net coming from a much younger, faster version of themself. Possibly that's why Djokovic frequently sought out and also gestured and also sputtered toward his guest box.Still, he came out on top." In all honesty, when the swan song underwent him, past him, that was actually the only minute I really thought I can easily win the suit," Djokovic said.It needed long exchanges full of outstanding ball-striking, quick drop shots-- Alcaraz's tended to become even more successful, at times therefore excellent Djokovic declined to also provide hunt-- and also tremendous sprinting, moving, flexing self defense at each ends. They served therefore well that neither obtained broken even as soon as: Djokovic spared 8 rest points, Alcaraz six.Most impressive, possibly, was just how easily each guys participated in, even with the skill of the resistance and stress of the occasion.The only pity, maybe, for the fans-- and also typically, Alcaraz-- was actually that the Olympics uses a best-of-three-set format, rather than the best-of-five at Conquest events. Create indisputable, this meet in between the No. 1-seeded Djokovic and also No. 2-seeded Alcaraz was worthy of a major final.Those in the stands became part of the show, frequently breaking out right into choruses of "No-le! No-le!" or "Car-los! Car-los!" that usually overlapped, making a sonant fugue. In the second set, as Alcaraz attempted to place a revival, his fans began chanting, "Si, se puede!" (generally, "Yes, you can!") while trembling their red-and-yellow banners. Office chair peacemaker Damien Dumusois from time to time helped remind people to stay soundless in the course of the action.Yet the spot likewise became as quiet as a cinema between factors, sufficient so that play was delayed quickly when the sky thick with anticipation was punctured through a young kid's crying.Both guys participated in to the group. When Alcaraz competed to reach one decrease chance and down payment it over the web for a winner, he indulged in the raucous reaction by directing his appropriate forefinger to his ear. When Djokovic tied a cross-court forehand winner on the run to cap a 10-shot suggest lead 3-2 in the 2nd sudden death, he waved both upper arms cost to motivate folks who already were actually standing up and screaming.The initial collection alone lasted much more than 1 1/2 hrs, loaded with impressive gos and also legendary activities. One video game lasted 18 aspects topped greater than a lots enchanting minutes, featuring five break odds for Alcaraz, just before Djokovic took care of to accommodate for a 5-4 lead. In the tiebreaker, Djokovic was superior in do or die time, as he so often is actually, taking the final four points.At 3-all, Alcaraz supplied a body offer, however Djokovic moved merely good enough to his left to smack a cross-court forehand return victor. After pair of mistakes by Alcaraz, Djokovic created a volley victor as well as turned to face his household with a first conducted high.Another collection, and yet another tiebreaker, later, and Djokovic had that medal that he preferred, at long last.When the Serbian national anthem ended up calling out at Court of law Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic grabbed that gold and took it to his lips for a caress.