Two tennis titans, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, are set to contest once again for the gold medal in the Paris 2024 Men’s Tennis Singles Event final on Sunday, August 4.
The final marks a rematch between the duo after they met at the Wimbledon 2024 final, which was won by Alcaraz in July. The Spaniard defeated Djokovic 6–2, 6–2, 7–6 to defend his title.
Also Read: ‘Alcaraz Outplayed Me’ — Djokovic Admits After Losing Wimbledon 2024 Title
According to ATP Tour reports, Alcaraz is determined to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of becoming a great tennis player.
“Obviously, it’s a really great start to my career, but I have to keep going,” the Spaniard said.
“I have to keep building my path. At the end of my career, I want to sit at the same table as the big guys. That’s my main goal. That’s my dream right now.”
Djokovic, who eased past Lorenzo Musetti to secure his place in the gold medal match, described the final berth as a significant achievement. He aims to win his first gold medal in 16 years, following his bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
“This is a big deal,” Djokovic said.
“Just to secure a higher medal for the first time for my country, whatever happens on Sunday, is a huge source of pride, honor, and happiness — and that’s why I celebrated the way I did,” he added. “I still need to celebrate because it’s a big success, of course.”
Djokovic has not been on the podium since, finishing fourth in 2012 (London) and 2021 (Tokyo), with a shock first-round exit in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) in between. After overcoming knee concerns to beat Musetti, Djokovic fell onto his back at Roland Garros in a celebratory scene usually reserved for a final.
By Dotun Omisakin
