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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 first final of the season at Wimbledon.
However, that will only make this victory that much sweeter for a man who shows no sign of stopping.
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