.PARIS-- For each one of his Grand Slam champions and other headlines, for all of his time at No. 1, Novak Djokovic really, definitely preferred an Olympic gold award for Serbia, the last significant achievement missing out on coming from his glittering ru00e9sumu00e9.He finally acquired one at grow older 37, as well as no matter a bit how much time it took.Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3 ), 7-6 (2) in a fascinating and also equally matched men's ping pong single people last at the 2024 Gamings on Sunday." I put my center, my soul, my body, my loved ones-- my everything-- vulnerable to gain Olympic gold," Djokovic said. "Amazing battle. Unbelievable fight." Editor's Picks2 RelatedHis remarkable career already featured a men's- document 24 Grand Slam prizes and also the best full weeks invested atop in the positions by any type of guy or even woman. It also presently had a Summertime Olympics medal, coming from 2008, but it was a bronze-- and he produced it very clear that simply wasn't sufficient.Until he got past bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals Friday, Djokovic was actually 0-3 during that round at the Video games. He dropped to the ultimate gold winner each opportunity: Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at Greater London in 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.Before facing Musetti, Djokovic said, "I resembled, 'OK, let's survive this.' That's why today, prior to the fit, I carried out not feel as stressed as I will ordinarily think, given that I had safeguarded an award." In Paris, wearing a gray sleeve over the right knee that required surgical procedure for a torn curve two months back, Djokovic encountered Nadal in the 2nd cycle and also removed his long time opponent in organized collections. Right now Djokovic is actually the oldest guy to gain the singles gold in his sport given that 1908-- as well as he stopped Spain's Alcaraz, that is actually 21, coming from ending up being the youngest.Serbia's Novak Djokovic loses to his knees after hammering Spain's Carlos Alcaraz to gain his 1st job gold award. Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesWhen the triumph was his, with the help of one final forehand victor, Djokovic turned towards his team in the positions-- being in front of his wife and also their 2 little ones-- dropped his racket and also knelt on the clay-based. As psychological as ever before, he burst into tears and covered his face, at that point progressed and ordered a red-white-and-blue Serbian flag.After caress in the stands, Djokovic swayed the flag." In the hard seconds, he offered it an additional push," Alcaraz claimed by means of his own tears. "It hurts to drop enjoy this." The last, which lasted 2 hrs, 50 mins despite being actually determined in merely two sets, was actually a rematch of the Wimbledon championship 3 full weeks ago that Alcaraz gained to follow up his French Open headline in June.Alcaraz also defeated Djokovic in in 2015's ultimate at the All England Nightclub, but Djokovic succeeded when they fulfilled in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open, the annual clay-court competition held at Roland Garros, the internet site made use of for ping pong throughout these Olympics.Sunday's competition was an enthralling competition, featuring one of the most ideal to ever perform it in Djokovic, and also the very best right now in Alcaraz. Without a doubt, it can possess been actually annoying for Djokovic to discover themself once again throughout the web coming from a more youthful, faster variation of himself. Possibly that's why Djokovic often searched for and also gestured and sputtered towards his guest box.Still, he came out on top." In all honesty, when the swan song underwent him, past him, that was the only instant I really believed I can succeed the suit," Djokovic said.It called for long swaps loaded with wonderful ball-striking, quick drop gos-- Alcaraz's often tended to be much more productive, often thus great Djokovic decreased to even give chase-- and also remarkable sprinting, moving, extending defense at each ends. They served so properly that not either acquired broken even the moment: Djokovic saved eight break points, Alcaraz six.Most exceptional, possibly, was just how cleanly each males played, even with the talent of the opposition as well as stress of the occasion.The only pity, probably, for the enthusiasts-- and normally, Alcaraz-- was that the Olympics makes use of a best-of-three-set format, rather than the best-of-five at Grand Slam tournaments. Make indisputable, this meet between the No. 1-seeded Djokovic and also No. 2-seeded Alcaraz was worthy of a primary final.Those in the positions became part of the series, continuously bursting out in to choruses of "No-le! No-le!" or "Car-los! Car-los!" that frequently overlapped, generating a theatrical fugue. In the second collection, as Alcaraz tried to position a resurgence, his supporters started shouting, "Si, se puede!" (practically, "Yes, you can!") while drinking their red-and-yellow banners. Office chair moderator Damien Dumusois periodically helped remind people to continue to be noiseless during the action.Yet the area likewise came to be as quiet as a cinema between points, good enough so that play was actually put off temporarily when the sky close apprehension was actually pierced through a little one's crying.Both men played to the group. When Alcaraz dashed to reach one reduce try and also down payment it over the internet for a champion, he basked in the raucous reaction by aiming his right index finger to his ear. When Djokovic tied a cross-court forehand champion on the run to cap a 10-shot lead to lead 3-2 in the second sudden death, he swung both arms cost to promote individuals that currently were actually standing up as well as screaming.The very first set alone lasted more than 1 1/2 hrs, packed with impressive shots and epic video games. One game lasted 18 factors topped more than a lots thrilling minutes, consisting of 5 break opportunities for Alcaraz, before Djokovic handled to hold for a 5-4 lead. In the tiebreaker, Djokovic was superior in do or die time, as he therefore typically is actually, taking the last four points.At 3-all, Alcaraz delivered a body serve, however Djokovic moved just sufficient to his left to punch a cross-court forehand profit champion. After 2 mistakes through Alcaraz, Djokovic generated a volley winner and also turned to experience his household along with a hand held high.Another collection, and another sudden death, later, and Djokovic had that medal that he wished, at long last.When the Serbian nationwide anthem finished calling out at Court of law Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic grabbed that gold as well as took it to his lips for a kiss.