Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win Olympic tennis gold and complete ‘Golden Slam’

Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling fashion to claim the long-awaited Olympic title and complete the ‘Golden Slam’ career.

Djokovic, who has won a men’s record 24 majors and swept all tennis titles, finally won Olympic gold in his fifth appearance.

The Serbian, 37, produced his best performance of the year to beat French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in front of a packed crowd in Paris.

He closed out the title with a forehand win, then turned to his box – arms outstretched in disbelief – before throwing his racquet down after a draw that lasted less than three hours.

After hugging Spain’s Alcaraz, Djokovic burst into tears and knelt in the middle of the court.

He then presented the Serbian flag and climbed into the stands to celebrate with his family and supporters.

Djokovic is only the fifth player to win the ‘Golden Slam’ in singles – all four majors and the Olympic title – after Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.

“Everything I felt at that moment when I won was beyond everything I could have imagined or hoped for,” said Djokovic.

“Being in that stadium raising the Serbian flag, singing the Serbian anthem, with gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sports.

“It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I’ve ever had.”

Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but will walk away with a silver medal in her Olympic debut.

Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti was the lone bronze medalist, defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.