Serbia’s Novak Djokovic overcame Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti with a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory, securing his place in the Olympic final for the first time on Friday in Paris.
On the revered Court Philippe Chatrier, the 37-year-old Djokovic showcased his trademark resilience and precision, steering through tense moments to clinch the win.
Djokovic, the top seed, has faced heartbreak in previous Olympic singles events, having stumbled in three semi-finals before.
Despite his towering 24 Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal remains the elusive prize in his glittering career.
Awaiting Djokovic in the final is Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the 11th-seeded Musetti will vie for the bronze medal against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
‘Very, very nervous’
"I just tried to be in the present moment. I played against a player who is in great form and really came out firing from both ends. I just tried to maintain the focus and do what I have to do,” Djokovic reflected post-match.
"Second set, I started, I was very, very nervous just overall. Before the match, during the match, just so, so nervous. But so glad to overcome this hurdle and secure a medal for my country,” Djokovic admitted.
Notably, Djokovic’s triumph also makes him the oldest man to reach the Olympic semi-finals since tennis was reinstated in the Games in 1988.
"I’ve achieved a lot of great things in this sport, but never finals of an Olympic Games, so I’m super thrilled. I hope I brought joy to Serbian fans and people around the world and also in Serbia. Of course, I’m going to think about Alcaraz in the final tomorrow, but I’m also grateful to have a day off. I’m going to need one,” Djokovic added with a smile.
Earlier this year, Djokovic suffered a loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in straight sets.
The former World No. 1 now aims to not only secure his maiden Olympic gold but also avenge his defeat against the Spaniard at SW19.
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