Pre-match Information
Novak Djokovic has participated in the Summer Olympics 5 times, while for Carlos Alcaraz, this is his first time. But they have in common that this is their first time experiencing the atmosphere of a tennis final at the Olympics.
For them, ATP event finals have become very familiar, but today is a completely different feeling.
In previous Olympic efforts, Djokovic went as far as the semifinals, with his best achievement being a bronze medal (2008). The goal of winning a gold medal has become an obsession for the Serbian player.
This summer, at Roland Garros, despite having to wear a knee brace after a recent surgery, Nole still managed to overcome 5 opponents to secure his place in the final. The 37-year-old player didn't need 3 sets in any match and only had 1 set that went to a tie-break (against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals).
Alcaraz followed a similar path, though he had to play 2 tie-breaks. The Spanish player has the advantage of youth, form, and mental strength, as he defeated Djokovic in the 2024 Wimbledon final.
The head-to-head score between the two players is currently 3-3. Djokovic wants it to be 4-3, with this win potentially being the most important of his career. However, he will have to throw everything he has - including tricks, into this match to hope that Alcaraz will be confused and unable to maintain his rhythm.
