Novak Djokovic gold 'everything he dreamed of' after 'video game' win over Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024 - Corretja
By Oli Gent
Updated 04/08/2024 at 22:14 GMT+1
Eurosport expert Alex Corretja heaped praise on Novak Djokovic after the Serbian finally claimed a career Golden Slam with Olympic gold at Paris 2024. The world No. 2 exacted his revenge on Carlos Alcaraz for the recent Wimbledon final, where the Spaniard steamrollered him in straight sets, but Djokovic emerged victorious at Roland-Garros, coming through 7-6(3) 7-6(2) on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Watch as ecstatic Djokovic collapses to ground after beating Alcaraz for Olympic gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Eurosport expert Alex Corretja has labelled Novak Djokovic's gold medal "everything he dreamed of" after the Serbian finally claimed a maiden Olympic title.
The world No. 2 beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets at Roland-Garros, avenging his straight-sets defeat in the Wimbledon final last month.
Here, it was Djokovic who was superior, back with a point to prove in Paris after he was forced to pull out of the French Open with a knee injury ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud.
The Serb wore a knee sleeve throughout Wimbledon and the Olympics, reaching both finals, but he emerged victorious in the latter after four previous attempts at a gold medal.
The 37-year-old has finally completed a career 'Golden Slam', winning all-four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic gold.
He has now won all the major titles there are to win in tennis, including the illustrious Davis Cup back in 2010 with Serbia, and the ATP World Tour finals seven times.
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'I'm still in shock' - Djokovic overcome with delight after beating Alcaraz for gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
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“It was a gift," Corretja, an Olympic bronze medallist in the men's doubles at Sydney 2000, said.
"We should start saying that was one of the most unbelievable matches in three sets ever. The way they hit the ball, they were so precise, both of them very aggressive from the beginning. No-one was speculating. It was just fantastic. You have to give all the credit to Novak for finally winning the gold at 37 years old.
“The attitude from both was very important. They were playing for glory, the Olympics, for their country. They both gave everything and the way they did it and handled their emotions, they were playing perfect tennis. It was like a video game.
“It’s the first time Carlos has lost a major final, he’d won four Slams out of four. Today he has nothing to regret. Novak was just a bit better in the important moments and he never looked back, just forward.
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‘Wow!’ - Djokovic produces masterful winner to wrestle control of Alcaraz match at crucial point
Video credit: TNT Sports
“I think it will be [Djokovic’s] last Olympics. This is everything he dreamed of. All the Slams, Masters, Davis Cup, number one and now gold. I think he could say ‘thank you guys, see you another time’. But hopefully he won’t because we really want him to continue.”
Fellow Eurosport expert Laura Robson, a silver medallist in the mixed doubles alongside Andy Murray at London 2012, could not believe her eyes at the quality on show from both men as the pair went hammer and tong for a maiden Olympic title.
“What an incredible men’s final," Robson said.
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Watch comical moment Djokovic and Alcaraz have to halt final for crying baby
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Djokovic finally winning a medal after all these years. It was one of the best three set matches I’ve ever seen.
“Every point meant something. They were so intense, there was so much thought behind each individual shot because everything mattered. The emotions at the end of it, the highs and lows you have in these situations.
“Carlos didn’t do anything wrong today, but he was simply outplayed at a level most of us can’t even comprehend. An unbelievable tournament on the men’s side. Carlos Alcaraz just shy of a gold medal. But what a win in what could be Novak Djokovic’s last ever Olympics.”
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Watch as Djokovic breaks down with emotion as he embraces family after winning Olympic gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
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