Novak Djokovic finally captured Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, ending a 16-year wait and marking "probably the biggest sporting success" of his career. The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star, who plans to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, defeated Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in an intense final, with scores of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) at Court Philippe Chatrier.

"This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling," Djokovic said. "I want to play in Los Angeles; I enjoy playing for my country in the Olympic Games, in the Davis Cup." Djokovic previously won a bronze medal in Beijing 2008 and reached three semi-finals before achieving this gold medal victory in Paris.

With this historic win, Djokovic joins an elite group of players, including Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams, who have won all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic singles gold, completing the career Golden Slam.

"I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today," he remarked.

Having won a men's record 24 major titles, Djokovic finally clinched the elusive Olympic gold in his fifth Games. He also managed to defeat Alcaraz, who had previously bested him in two consecutive Wimbledon finals.

Reflecting on the match, Djokovic said, "Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had."

Djokovic emphasized the uncertainty of his victory until the very end: "We almost played three hours, the final shot was the only moment when I was sure I could win the match. I knew that this could be my last chance of a gold medal."

Despite being sidetracked by an injury, Djokovic prepared meticulously for the Olympics, feeling like a different player in terms of movement and play. Alcaraz, at 21, became the youngest to win a silver medal in the tennis event on his Olympic debut, shedding tears after the match.

"In a way, losing heavily to Alcaraz at Wimbledon probably worked in my favor as I knew I couldn't play any worse than that," Djokovic admitted.