Alcaraz shares seven words Djokovic told him after gold medal loss loss

Carlos Alcaraz has talked up the sweet comments Novak Djokovic shared with him after their epic Olympic final encounter in Paris on Sunday.

Djokovic, who was seeking retribution for his Wimbledon defeat four weeks ago, edged past the youthful Spaniard in straight sets after a nail-biting battle that finished 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).

Immediately after the match, both men started crying, creating an intensely emotional atmosphere.

After winning bronze in Beijing 2008, Djokovic finally achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal in the fifth try. The 37-year-old Serb, who was overcome with happiness at his accomplishment, took a heartfelt moment to congratulate his 21-year-old opponent, who won the silver medal in his first Olympics.

Alcaraz shared Djokovic’s seven-word comment at the net during his post-match press conference, telling reporters (via the Express): “He told me that ‘I will win Olympic gold one day’. We are going to work for that. I’m sure my time will come.”

With Djokovic driven to complete the career golden slam, Alcaraz felt he couldn’t match his opponent’s insatiable drive. “His tears at the end of the match reflect the desire he had for this moment to come and he deserves it because he has played very well,” he continued.

“Today I had a Novak Djokovic in front of me who wanted to win the gold more than I did. At certain times he played better tennis and deserved the victory,” says Alcaraz who insisted he had no regrets over his performance.