Novak Djokovic added some last-gasp gold plating to his all-time great career in spectacular style on Sunday afternoon in Paris. By battling past his great rival Carlos Alcaraz with his finest display of the 2024 season, the 37-year-old Serbian completed his emotional final step to the ‘Golden Slam’ of winning all four majors and an Olympic gold medal.

Djokovic overcame the in-form Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) on Court Philippe-Chatrier to become champion, at what is likely to be his final Olympic games, just eight and a half weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery on his right leg. The top seed pulled through a pair of tie-breaks, including in an epic 94-minute first set, to close out victory against his great rival in a match of the highest quality.

“We almost played three hours for two sets. It was an incredible battle, incredible fight,” said Djokovic, who was comprehensively outplayed by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final only last month. “When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I actually thought I could win the match. I mean I believed that I could win, but to actually win it, because he keeps on coming back. He keeps on asking me to play my best tennis.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m still in shock, honestly. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold at age 37. I finally did it.”