Novak Djokovic believes Carlos Alcaraz will be the "favorite" for Olympic gold on Sunday, marking another chapter in tennis' generational rivalry. At 37, Djokovic could become the oldest Olympic singles champion in tennis since its return in 1988. Alcaraz, 21, would be the youngest ever. A victory for Djokovic would mark his first Olympic gold after four previous attempts, surpassing the bronze he won in 2008. It would also make him the fifth player to achieve the Golden Slam, joining Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf.
However, Djokovic enters the match still smarting from a comprehensive defeat by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final just three weeks ago. "I don't consider myself the favorite as Alcaraz has shown he's the top player," Djokovic said, noting the Spaniard's consecutive wins at the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite his humility, Djokovic is determined for his seventh encounter with Alcaraz. During his semifinal against Lorenzo Musetti, he received a warning for swearing and yelled at his team.
He knows Paris 2024 could be his last shot at gold. "I thought about all the Olympic semifinals I lost, which made me very tense and nervous." Both players reached the final without losing a set, and Djokovic showed no signs of his right knee injury during his win against Stefanos Tsitsipas. He feels "a different player" now, more confident in his movements and strokes.
The two have faced each other twice on clay, with Alcaraz winning their first meeting in Madrid and Djokovic winning the French Open semifinal last year. Alcaraz, who suffered cramps in that match, attributed it to the pressure of facing Djokovic. Alcaraz is the fourth Spanish man to reach the Olympic final, following Jordi Arrese, Sergi Bruguera, and Nadal.
"I've imagined winning gold," Alcaraz said. "It motivates me to keep pushing, learning, and giving my all every day." A win on Sunday would make Alcaraz the third player to win the French Open, Wimbledon, and Olympic gold in the same year, joining Graf and Nadal.
"We're one step closer. I'd love to join Steffi and Rafa, two sports legends." But I'll focus on improving and making Spain proud, rather than dwelling on potential achievements.
