Djokovic holds off Alcaraz to finally land Olympic gold

Novak Djokovic has gained revenge on Carlos Alcaraz in a pulsating men’s singles final to claim his first Olympic gold medal.

The Serbian first played in the Games back in 2008 but he arrived in Paris with only one bronze medal to show for his efforts and a burning desire to finally take his last chance to stand on the top step of the podium.

He lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final only three weeks ago and had not won a title all season but, playing in the red of Serbia, the 37-year-old produced a superb performance to win 7-6 (3) 7-6 (7-2).

When his final forehand found the corner, Djokovic dropped his racket and turned to his family in delight and disbelief before lying on the court, his ultimate goal finally realized.

He joins Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as just the fifth player to complete the Golden Slam career of all four grand slam titles and Olympic singles gold.