Carlos Alcaraz will face Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster men's singles final at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. If the Spaniard overcomes the Serbian, he will likely commemorate the moment in a unique way.
Most fans considered Alcaraz the favorite to win a gold medal before the Olympics began; so far, the four-time Grand Slam champion has dealt with those expectations superbly by playing great tennis.
Alcaraz's victory in the semifinal against Felix Auger Aliassime demonstrated this. The Canadian was in good form heading into the match, but he was blown away by Alcaraz's dominant performance.
Alcaraz's only disappointment at the Olympics was his doubles exit with Rafael Nadal. The high-profile pair progressed to the quarterfinal before being outclassed by eventual silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
That defeat could be the final match of Nadal's career. The 14-time French Open champion admitted he would not continue to play if he did not have the desire, strength, or motivation to continue his career.
Regardless, Alcaraz enjoyed every moment of playing with Nadal. The 21-year-old also mentioned that he and his legendary compatriot shared conversations about life that he would keep to himself.
Alcaraz will try and use anything helpful he learned from Nadal against Djokovic. Understandably, he never lacks self-belief, and Alcaraz made a very confident statement ahead of his matchup with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
His two Wimbledon final triumphs against Djokovic give him a reason to be confident. In recent comments to the media, Alcaraz admitted he gets a commemorative tattoo each time he wins a major title for the first time.
After claiming the US Open title in 2022, he got the date of the win tattooed on his right elbow. His epic run to the title at Wimbledon in 2023 was recognized with a strawberry tattoo on his right ankle.
Alcaraz got the Eiffel Tower and the date of the triumph tattooed on his left ankle after securing the French Open this year. The 21-year-old plans to get another tattoo if he takes home Olympic gold, but he also said he is focused on the challenge ahead.
"If I win on Sunday we'll see, but most likely yes. There's one small step left, a match that's a big mountain, but if I get it, I'll do it."
Alcaraz also humorously remarked about his parents when discussing the topic. The former world No. 1 reassured them he would only get a tattoo the first time he won each major, which is why he did not get one after his second Wimbledon title.
"I told my parents, just to calm them, that it’s just the first one in every Major."
Athletes have different ways of celebrating their most significant achievements. Some players would hate to get a tattoo that would stay on their skin forever, but Alcaraz loves doing it each time, and that is what matters most.
Alcaraz and Djokovic's Olympic final should be incredible viewing. The Serbian said his knee feels better than at Wimbledon, meaning their battle at Roland-Garros should be more competitive than at SW19 this year.
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