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Djokovic beats Alcaraz to win long-awaited Olympic gold
Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling fashion to secure a long-awaited Olympic title and complete the career 'Golden Slam'.
Djokovic, who has won a men's record 24 majors and swept up every title there is in tennis, finally clinched Olympic gold at his fifth Games.
The Serb put in 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 is just 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.
Djokovic, 37, left this same court at Roland Garros two months ago needing knee surgery, which put his Olympic dream at risk, and his reaction after Sunday's win showed what it meant.
He turned towards his box, arms outstretched in disbelief, before throwing his racquet to the floor.
After hugging Spain's Alcaraz, Djokovic immediately burst into tears and fell to his knees on the middle of the court.
He then unfurled a Serbian flag and clambered into the stands to celebrate with his family and support team.
Alcaraz, 21, was also in tears after the match, but will leave with a silver medal on his Olympic debut.
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti is the singles bronze medallist, having beaten Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada on Friday.
This moment will mean as much to Djokovic, if not more, than all the Grand Slams, Masters 1,000 titles and ATP tournaments he has won.
His family watched on from the stands, bearing Serbian flags, with daughter Tara carrying a sign that said "Dad is the best".
Djokovic has spoken about seeing the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, and the emotions of representing his country have affected him in his past four Games.
He won singles bronze in Beijing in 2008, finished fourth at London 2012, suffered an emotional early loss in Rio in 2016 and lost the bronze-medal match in Tokyo three years ago.
However, Djokovic did not drop a set in Paris and was focused from the outset, determined to get his hands on the one prize that had eluded him for so long.
The final match itself was a test of his determination - he was on the back foot in the first set but did not give in, saving all eight break points he faced and taking advantage as Alcaraz faltered in both tie-breaks.
It was played in a superb spirit, with both players often left laughing at the quality of the other's shot-making.
The crowd was equally split between Spanish fans, decked in flags, and Serbia supporters carrying signs with "Nole" - Djokovic's nickname - written on.
An electric atmosphere added to the tension - Alcaraz looked the more nervous and had to save a break point in his opening game, but he pushed Djokovic to the limit with his mix of touch and power.
However, Djokovic simply would not give in. He played some of his best tennis when down break point and, after taking the first set, was full of confidence.
There was the occasional gesture towards his support box - who responded by telling him to keep his head up and stay positive - but on the whole, Djokovic was as dialled in as he has been all year.
It has been a difficult season for Djokovic. He lost in the Australian Open semi-finals to Italy's Jannik Sinner, had an indifferent hard court swing, needed knee surgery after injuring himself at Roland Garros and was completely outplayed in his only final of the season this far at Wimbledon.
However, that will only make this victory that much sweeter for a man who shows no sign of stopping.
Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz to win Olympic tennis gold and seal 'Golden Slam'
Novak Djokovic beats Carlos Alcaraz in thrilling fashion to clinch a long-awaited Olympic title and complete the career 'Golden Slam'.www.bbc.com
There was no debate. Only Nadal fans were clinging on to the fact he was missing the Gold Medal. Djokovic beaten everyone here in straights including currently the best player in the world and his greatest rival.I thin this has ended the debate once and for all
Love or hate it, Djoker is the GOAT