Paris 2024: Djokovic and Alcaraz Set for Dream Gold Medal Showdown

Novak Djokovic ended his Olympic semi-final curse with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti on Friday, setting up a highly anticipated gold medal clash with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.

The 37-year-old Serbian had previously lost in three Olympic singles semi-finals but showed no signs of faltering this time as he delivered a dominant performance at Roland Garros.

Earlier on Court Philippe Chatrier, the 21-year-old Alcaraz overwhelmed Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime with a 6-1, 6-1 win.

Djokovic, who needs only an Olympic gold to complete his collection of career achievements, including 24 Grand Slam titles, expressed his relief and joy after securing his spot in the final. He laid on his back, arms outstretched, after the match point.

“Three of the (previous) four Olympic Games I played I made semi-finals but failed to overcome that hurdle,” said Djokovic, whose only Olympic medal is a singles bronze from 2008. “Just to secure a higher medal for my country, whatever happens on Sunday, is a huge pride and honor. I’m going for gold, but this is a big deal.”

Djokovic had previously been defeated by Rafa Nadal in the 2008 Beijing semi-finals, Andy Murray in London 2012, and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo.

Musetti, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Italian players Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani who reached the women’s doubles final, started strong but Djokovic found his stride, breaking serve in the 10th game from 40-0 down to take the first set.

Despite concerns over his strapped knee, Djokovic maintained his composure in the second set, even after dropping his serve twice and receiving a code violation. He responded fiercely, winning five consecutive games to become the oldest Olympic men’s singles finalist since tennis returned to the Games in 1988.

Alcaraz, the second seed and youngest finalist, showcased his formidable skills in a quick match against Auger-Aliassime, taking just over an hour to secure his place in the final. The 21-year-old, who recently defeated Djokovic to win his second Wimbledon title, is in top form and has not dropped a set in the tournament.

“It means a lot to me being in a final at the Olympic Games and giving myself the chance to fight for a gold medal for my country. It is a special moment for my career and my life,” Alcaraz said. “I’m really happy to bring a medal to my country, and hopefully, it’s going to be the gold one.”

Auger-Aliassime acknowledged Alcaraz’s dominance, saying, “In every aspect, I was dominated, there’s not much more to say.”

For Djokovic, Sunday’s final may be his last opportunity to win an Olympic gold, but he remains optimistic.

“Alcaraz has proved the best player in the world at the moment,” he said. “He’s definitely favorite, but it’s the Olympics, it’s anybody’s game.”