He had spent less than two hours on the Philippe-Chatrier central court to overcome the young Italian (22 years old, 16th in the world) in two sets 6-4, 6-2, without ever really shaking.
His spontaneous celebration above all testified to his “enormous relief” at having finally reached the Olympic final after three failures in the last four.
“I couldn’t get over that hurdle,” said the Serb. “So whatever happens on Sunday (in the final), it’s already a lot of pride, honour and joy to be assured of bringing silver or gold back to my country.”
Until now, the most successful man in Grand Slam (24) had only brought home bronze, during his first Games in 2008 in Beijing. During his three other previous participations, he had finished twice just off the podium (2012, 2021) and fallen once at the start (2016).
Djokovic, who loves the flag and statistics, knows that at 37 he is probably living his last chance to win – like Nadal and Roger Federer (in doubles with Stanislas Wawrinka) in 2008 – the only important distinction missing from his list of achievements.
He also knows that, for once, he will not necessarily be the favourite against Alcaraz, “the best player in the world at the moment” according to him.
Like Graff and Nadal?
The Spaniard could become the third player in history after Steffi Graff in 1988 and Nadal in 2008 to achieve success at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in the same year.
“I would love to add my name to those of Steffi and Rafa, two legends of the sport,” said Alcaraz, who played doubles this week in Paris with his illustrious compatriot and childhood idol. “It was an honour to represent my country alongside him.”
Not stingy with selfies with the other athletes in the Olympic village, the 21-year-old player enjoys the unique atmosphere of the Games, under the eyes of his parents, and also seems invested with a mission.
“It’s special to fight for the gold medal, for my country,” he says. “It means a lot to me in my career, in my life.”
What can he expect from this new final against Djokovic? “The same result as at Wimbledon I hope”, replies with a smile the native of Murcia, authoritative winner of the Serb 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) three weeks ago on the English grass.
“Without taking anything away from his victory at Wimbledon, which was largely deserved, I feel that I am no longer the same player today in the way I move and hit the ball,” said Djokovic, who had surgery on his right knee in early June.
The two men, who have each won three of their six meetings to date, have only met once at Roland Garros, in the semi-final of the 2023 edition.
The record holder for the number of Grand Slam titles (24) then took advantage of his young opponent’s cramps to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. He did not lie down on the clay at the end of the match.
