Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz share a good relationship despite the thrilling rivalry they have already established.
That was demonstrated by a heartfelt message about Alcaraz, which Djokovic released after their match at the Olympics. Despite Djokovic being 16 years older than the Spaniard, the pair have played memorable matches in the last two years.
Their first meeting was at the Madrid Open in May 2022. Alcaraz won that thrilling battle 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5). A year later, they met in the French Open semifinal. After two sets of extraordinary quality, Alcaraz began cramping in the third set, effectively derailing his hopes.
Despite finishing the match, Djokovic comfortably secured the final two sets to triumph 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. Their final at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships was one of the best seen at SW19. Alcaraz prevailed 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after fantastic tennis from both men for four hours and 42 minutes.
The pair's final at the 2023 Cincinnati Open was also incredible. After an intense battle in the brutal heat in Ohio, Djokovic won 5-7, 7-6, 7-6. Alcaraz's Wimbledon Wimbledon final triumph a few weeks ago was a rare occasion where the match was one-sided.
Those previous matches meant expectations were high heading into their showdown for an Olympic gold medal. Alcaraz, who swept Felix Auger-Aliassime aside in the semifinal, was considered the favorite by most.
However, as he has so many times before, Djokovic defied the odds. He won two thrilling sets, 7-6, 7-6, to achieve his dream of winning Olympic gold and also completed the Golden Career Grand Slam in the process.
Alcaraz was very emotional immediately after the match, bursting into tears during an interview with Alex Corretja. To his credit, the 21-year-old made many complimentary remarks about Djokovic once he composed himself.
He was not the only Spaniard to congratulate the Serbian. On social media, Nadal lauded Djokovic for achieving the Golden Career Grand Slam. Although Nadal and Djokovic are not friends, the 14-time French Open champion's kind words show their respect for each other.
Djokovic did not lose his grace and humility despite his delight at winning the gold medal. In a post on X, he congratulated Alcaraz and his team for their run at the Olympics and predicted he would secure a gold medal.
"Another epic final, @carlosalcaraz. El clasico. Congratulations to you and your team for an excellent Olympics. Considering your age, your energy and the way you play, you probably have 20 more Olympics ahead of you . Your gold will come. Until next time, amigo."
It was a very classy post by Djokovic. Although the 24-time Grand Slam champion often becomes fiery during his matches, he has a strong record of being gracious in victory and defeat, which is a great trait to have.
Djokovic will now get a well-earned rest after withdrawing from the Canadian Open in Montreal. It is unclear whether he will choose to defend his title in Cincinnati or not play again until the US Open in a few weeks.
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