Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win historic maiden Olympics gold in Paris at 37

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Novak Djokovic on Sunday created history by becoming the oldest player to win tennis men's singles gold by beating Spain's Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris.

The 37-year-old defeated the reigning French Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Results of both the sets were decided by tie-breakers, but Djokovic made sure to emerge triumphant on both the occasions.

Djokovic, the oldest finalist at the Games, is only the fifth player to complete a career golden slam (all four Grand Slams and Olympics gold). The 24-time Grand Slam champion managed to win an Olympic gold medal in his fifth attempt. He last won an Olympic medal - a bronze - back in 2008, and had to wait for 16 years for his second at the Games.

"This dream is long lived and fought for. I wanted to compete in the finals of Olympic games for such a long time. Representing my country at a global event is a huge privilege and honor that I cherish. Serbia will have a medal on Sunday!!! Ideeeemooooo," he wrote on X ahead of the match.

Djokovic walked into the match as an underdog. He was beaten by the same 21-year-old Spaniard in straight sets in the Wimbledon 2024 final last month.

The Serbian ace underwent a knee surgery after his French Open 2024 campaign, but returned within a month to have a stunning run at the Wimbledon.

He showcased his insane mental strength again in the Olympics gold medal match on Sunday to frustrate Alacaraz, who had not dropped a single set before the match.

The first set lasted for 94 minutes as Djokovic saved eight break-points. A close-fought tie-breaker was expected in the first set after scores were levelled at 3-3, but Djokovic again displayed nerves of steel to win the next four points and go 1-0 up.

The two players failed to break each other in the second set as well, and were tied at 2-2 in the second tie-breaker, when Djokovic switched his final 'God Mode' on. A forehand winner to go up 3-2 before winning the next four points on the trot.

Djokovic rolled out a huge roar, and then ended up crying hysterically after sitting on his bench and covering his face with his towel. Young Alcaraz was also in tears but they were tears of despair, tears for coming so near but finishing up yet so far.

Both the players were probably equal in terms of skills and stamina, but Djokovic managed to beat Alcaraz on mental levels. The Paris Olympics Gold has now firmly pinned Djokovic as one of the most mentally strongest athlete and greatest tennis player of his generation.