Novak Djokovic doesn’t consider himself favorite against the ‘current best player’ Carlos Alcaraz for Gold medal match at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic believes he will do better against Carlos Alcaraz in Paris than he did at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic doesn’t consider himself favorite against the ‘current best player’ Carlos Alcaraz for Gold medal match at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Imago)

In a rematch of the Wimbledon final, Novak Djokovic will take on Carlos Alcaraz at the Philippe Chatrier Arena for gold medal glory. This will be the first Olympics final for both players and historic records are on the line. 

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will be facing off for the seventh time in their careers and they are currently tied at three wins apiece. However, in their most recent meeting in the Wimbledon final, the young Spaniard dominated Djokovic in straight sets and the Serb cited this as a reason why he believes Alcaraz will be the favorite in their upcoming duel. 

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I don't consider myself a favorite on Sunday because Alcaraz proved that he's the best player in the world right now. He won Roland Garros, he won Wimbledon, he beat me in the final there without any problems, he reached the final here without dropping a set. I mean, I do too, but I think the way he's playing, he's definitely a favorite.
Novak Djokovic said to the press in Paris

On clay, they are tied at one win each. Djokovic triumphed in their only match at Roland Garros, in 2023, and Alcaraz emerged victorious in their only best of three sets match on the surface, in Madrid in 2022. The match could go either way but Djokovic’s recent knee issues may play a part in deciding the outcome.

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic explain what an Olympic Gold means to them

After three unsuccessful attempts by his standards, Novak Djokovic has finally reached the final of the Summer Games in 2024, on his fourth and potentially final try. His opponent in the final will be Carlos Alcaraz, who has done the opposite by reaching this stage in his Olympics debut. 

Carlos Alcaraz(L), Novak Djokovic(R)
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Ahead of the clash, they opened up about what winning a medal for their respective country means to them. It is also worth noting that Alcaraz missed out on a doubles medal after losing in the quarterfinals, alongside partner Rafael Nadal.

It's a special moment for me in my career and my life. I'm really happy to bring a medal to my country. It's always really difficult facing Novak, I will try my best.
Carlos Alcaraz said to the press in Paris ahead of the final

Djokovic then shared his take as well.

Whatever happens on Sunday is a huge pride and honor and happiness. Alcaraz has proven [he is] the best player in the world at the moment. He won Roland Garros. He won Wimbledon.
Novak Djokovic told the press

They are set to face off on Sunday, August 4th. The match is set to begin at around 1.30 pm local time.

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