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Novak Djokovic speaking after securing Olympics gold against Carlos Alcaraz. (Image: NBC.)
Novak Djokovic hailed Carlos Alcaraz as his biggest competitor after defeating the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion to claim the first Olympics gold medal of his career.
The Serbian star was full of praise for Alcaraz, after coming out on top during two tiebreaks at Roland Garros before collapsing to the floor in emotional scenes.
Djokovic then gave an on-court interview where he credited his opponent for his never-say-die attitude which has continued to push him to such a high level at the age of 37.
“We almost played three hours in just two sets,” Djokovic said. “An incredible battle and fight. When the last shot went past him, it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. I mean I believed I could win, but to actually win it.
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“[Alcaraz] keeps on coming back, he keeps on asking me to play my best tennis. I thought the first set I started well. I had chances, he had chances as well. It was fair to finish both sets on a tiebreak. We both had our chances to break but when it mattered, we both came up with some big serves and plays. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, everything on the line.
“To win Olympic gold at 37, I finally did it. Most of all, it’s my country. The pride of playing for Serbia. I know Carlos and Rafa [Nadal] love to play for Spain, Andy [Murray] loves to play for Great Britain. Roger [Federer] for Switzerland. Alex Zverev won at Tokyo for Germany. You saw the reactions of all these guys when they win; it’s something special.
“This is now my fifth Olympic Games. Three out of four I played semi-finals and never managed to overcome that hurdle for some reason. When I entered the court for the semi-finals against [Lorenzo] Musetti I was thinking about and said ‘let’s get through this one’.
“That’s why at the beginning of this match I was not as nervous as I had secured a medal but of course I was going for gold. It was intense on the court and I wanted to give it my best. I think the fact I qualified for the final already helped.”
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz showing off their medals with bronze winner Lorenzo Musetti. (Image: Getty)
Even though a third and deciding set was not required, Alcaraz took Djokovic to a tiebreaker in both sets, a tough battle which saw the 24-time Grand Slam champion edge the Spaniard en route to an emotional victory.
A gold medal was all that had eluded Djokovic in his illustrious career, winning every Major title and securing a 99th career singles title win.
And the new gold medallist was in no mood to play down how much winning meant to him and his country, breaking down in tears after securing victory.
After winning every possible accolade in tennis, Djokovic decided to remain coy when asked if he had now ‘completed the puzzle’ of his sport.
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“I don’t know,” he added. “I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility of winning a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had.
“I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career. Winning Davis Cup and particularly a golden medal at age 37 for Serbia is unprecedented. I’m just starting my celebration. I can’t wait for what’s coming up in the next 48 hours.”
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