The stage is set for the greatest Olympic gold medal tennis final between the greatest champion of all time and his heir apparent.
It will be a unique clash of the oldest and youngest Olympic gold medal finalists.
Of course, everybody reading this post doesn’t need to be told the names of the combatants and which is which, because both players are transcending the sport now.
The 37 year old, who beat Lorenzo Musetti 64 62 today, is attempting to win his first gold medal in his fifth try while the 21 year old victor vs Felix Auger Aliassime 61 61, is in his first of many Olympic Games.
Djokovic, who had never passed an Olympic semifinals in 20 years, showed a fire and fury today, the invaluable emotional adrenaline that was curiously absent in his last match vs Carlos, a three set loss in the Wimbledon final. Perhaps he knows he must utilize every one of his assets in order to defeat Carlos in the final. Djokovic raged at his box about some unknown issue but it looked more like he is priming himself mentally and emotionally for the ultimate battle that awaits.
The Novak vs Carlos head to head is locked at 3-3 but Carlos has not yet managed to beat Djokovic twice in a row. And Djokovic won their last meeting on clay at Roland Garros semis 2023 in four sets.
Considering the stakes involved and the quality of tennis both champions are playing, it’s possible we may witness one of the greatest matches ever played. Because nobody knows what limits there are for these two dynamic marvels on the tennis court.
Donna Vekic of Croatia will have to defeat Qinwen Zheng of China to capture the women’s gold medal. Neither has yet to win a major title in their respective careers.
Carlos Alcaraz · Novak Djokovic · Olympic Games
Cory · August 3, 2024 at 10:11 pm
All in Joker. This guy doesn’t lose when it matters most. And curiously, he seemed dispirited in the Wimbledon final as u mentioned… I just don’t think it happens again. The GOAT will persevere.
Scoop Malinowski · August 4, 2024 at 8:30 am
Cory, I’m picking Djokovic also, he wants this one more than anything and he hasn’t lost two in a row to Carlos. We didn’t see the real Novak in the Wimbledon final, today we will.
Douglas Day · August 4, 2024 at 11:37 am
You guys called it!
Tightrope walk in two!
Steve · August 4, 2024 at 11:50 am
And he got it! Goat!
Scoop Malinowski · August 4, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Doug, he did it all right and he showed today he might still be in his prime. Best level of tennis, along with Cincy final last year, I’ve seen.
Doug Day · August 4, 2024 at 9:02 pm
Best tennis day ever. Seb Korda first American in 17 years to win Washington. First father & son to be ranked ATP top 20 AND first to win the same tournament.
AND we always have Paris.
Scoop Malinowski · August 4, 2024 at 9:08 pm
Doug, Korda is overdue IMO but maybe he’s taking the no rush scenic route to the top 5. Was Petr there?
Doug Day · August 5, 2024 at 8:28 am
No Petr, but there was fan in t-shirt that read “We’re only here for the Kordashians” above the 3 kids smiling heads. Look out Richard Williams. Dad Petr’s got potentially THREE number ones under one roof!
Scoop Malinowski · August 5, 2024 at 11:09 am
korda has the potential to be top 5.