Paula Badosa has just won her fourth WTA title and also her first title since being diagnosed with a chronic back issue after beating Marie Bouzkova in the final of a WTA 500 tournament in Washington.

Badosa, who entered this week ranked at No. 62 in the world, overcame world No. 42 Bouzkova in three sets 6-1 4-6 6-4 in two and a half hours of play.

A was the case earlier in the week, rain interrupted play again. And in the end, it was former world No. 2 Badosa who managed to come out on top and claim her first title since winning Sydney in 2022 January.

Moments after sealing the Washington title, Badosa was very emotional – but it shouldn’t be surprising considering what she had gone through in the last 15 months and that earlier this year she was told that she may not be able to remain a pro player for a long time.

How Badosa beat Bouzkova?

Although Bouzkova won just one game in the first set, it was the Czech who had the first lead in the match after breaking Badosa in the very first game of the match. But after dropping her serve very early, Badosa responded by winning the next six games to overturn the early deficit and still very easily win the opener.

After taking the first set, Badosa also had her chances in the second set but she missed out on four break points in the fifth game and two other break points in the seventh game. Then, Badosa was punished as Bouzkova broke the Spaniard in the 10th game – the game in which the former world No. 2 was serving to stay in the second set.

At the start of the third set, Badosa broke Bouzkova in the first game but also lost her break instantly in the following game.

However, Badosa was able to keep her focus and break Bouzkova again in the fifth game before serving out for the Washington title in the 10th game.

Novak Djokovic chose the final of the Paris Olympics to play the best match of his season. The former world number 1 was not experiencing an exciting 2024 from a results point of view, having yet to win a title this year before today’s feat.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was considered a clear underdog against Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal final, but has once again proved to be an immortal legend of the sport. The 37-year-old from Belgrade has expressed his best tennis on the iconic Philippe Chatrier by reversing the predictions of the eve and finally realizing his dream of winning the gold medal for the his country. Nole prevailed in two tiebreaks, making a difference at decisive moments and punishing every mistake made by the young Spaniard. Carlitos was the big favorite on the eve of this final and played a great match, but he did not expect such a level from his opponent.

The 21-year-old from Murcia burst into tears at the end of the match, He wanted to win the gold medal for Spain and continue his unbeaten period after triumphs at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic and Alcaraz will both miss the Montreal Masters 1000 next week and should return to the pitch in Cincinnati, the last test before the US Open at the end of August.

Djokovic is the GOAT

Thanks to this victory, Novak Djokovic achieved yet another feat of his legendary career. Looking at all his records, it’s hard to argue that Nole isn’t the greatest tennis player of all time. “I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country,” Novak Djokovic explained.

“Because I can be very self critical. I don’t know. That’s one of the biggest internal battles I keep on fighting with myself. That I feel like I haven’t done enough or been enough in my life on and off the court. I know Carlos and Rafa (Nadal), they love to play for Spain. Andy (Murray) loved to play for Great Britain. Roger (Federer) for Switzerland. Alex Zverev won in Tokyo for Germany. You saw the reactions of all these guys when they win. It’s something special,” he added.

Nole is amazing

There are now few words to describe Novak Djokovic. When everyone seems to have finished it, he manages to impress again, win and convince as he has done in the last hours. The Serbian tennis player won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, the last huge achievement that was missing from his immense palmarés and now Nole has literally won everything possible and imaginable.

Sometimes critics of Djokovic find every means to denigrate his legend, Some even in the past has been able to say that Nole won Slam only thanks to lucky draws or episodic situations, the reality at 37 years is quite different. In the last few hours, an impressive figure has emerged on the Balkan tennis player, a figure that has returned to prominence after the victory against Alcaraz.

Winning against the Spaniard at the Paris Olympics, Nole has once again made things clear and is now 4-3 ahead in the previous round with the Spanish, certainly not the only one in this situation. Novak Djokovic is ahead in the previous with all other tennis players present in the Top 15; it is 4 to 3 in front both against the world number one Jannik Sinner and against Carlos Alcaraz, The new one who advances but sees Nole still dominating. There are such clean dominance as the 9-0 in the previous match against Fritz or the 12-1 and 12-2 respectively against Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The 37-year-old from Belgrade has beaten Carlos Alcaraz, who played a very good tournament and represents the future of this sport. “Honestly, I always want to win. In receiving a silver medal, I have to be very proud. I suppose I am building a great career and I hope it continues. As I said, I am proud to be in this position and to bring a medal to Spain. I am quite certain that my time will come. Someday, I will bring the gold medal to Spain. I will wait for that moment and work towards it. Right now, I have to enjoy lifting the silver, which is also quite remarkable” – the Spaniard stated.

The young Spaniard also dreamed of winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics after winning the French Open and Wimbledon Championships in the last month and a half.

Novak Djokovic achieved yet another feat in a simply legendary career. The Serbian champion won one of the few titles that were still missing in his immense palmarés – the gold medal at the Olympics – beating Carlos Alcaraz in Paris and overturning the predictions of the eve. The 24-time Grand Slam champion pulled off his best performance of the season, shocking Alcaraz and winning two tiebreaks after almost three hours of battle. The final of the Paris Olympics was the most beautiful match of 2024, full of spectacle and incredible rallies.

Thanks to his victory at the Paris Olympics, the 37-year-old from Belgrade has fulfilled his greatest dream and completed the Career Golden Slam. Nole’s numbers are truly impressive: 24 Grand Slam titles, 40 Masters 1000, 7 Nitto ATP Finals, 1 Davis Cup and an Olympic gold medal, besides becoming the oldest player to win gold medal since 1988.

The Serbian also became the first player in history to win an Olympic tournament without losing a set and the fifth player ever to complete the Career Golden Slam after Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams. The final of the Olympic tournament between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz was one of the best matches in recent months.

An amazing final

Tennis legend Rennae Stubbs has paid tribute to these two outstanding champions through her X profile: “If you’re not watching the final between Djokovic and Alcaraz, what’s wrong with you! Oh my God! It’s one of the best matches I’ve seen this year (if not the best).”

Alcaraz played a great match and proved once again to be a great champion, but he missed something compared to Djokovic in the decisive moments. Speaking with former ATP ace Alex Corretja after the match, Carlitos burst into tears: “It’s complicated. We fought a match of almost three hours, we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we had, and playing against Djokovic is never easy. He always brings a very high level in those moments. He also deserves this opportunity. It hurts to lose the way I’ve lost, but I leave with my head held high knowing that I gave it my all.”

Djokovic – on the other hand – expressed his happiness for having achieved his dream: “It’s been an incredible battle, a great fight. When the last shot went through Carlos’ side, it was the only time I thought I could win the game.  I don’t know what to say, I’m still in shock. I put my heart, soul, body, family, everything on the line to win Olympic gold at 37. I am proud to play for Serbia. Carlos and Rafa love playing with Spain, Andy with Great Britain and Roger with Switzerland. You just see the reactions when they win and it’s special, different.”

Nole realized his dream

Novak has learned from his previous experiences at the Olympics and made no mistakes in Paris. A few days ago – during a long interview with Clay – the Serbian captain Viktor Troicki explained the changes adopted by Djokovic: “Tokyo was a huge experience for him, you know, 6-1, 2-1 with the break, against Zverev in the semifinals. Everything going well, everything. But he’s also a human. Zverev started playing better.

He started feeling a little bit of pressure and at the end it cost him the match. He won so many big titles, but this was the first time he felt the goal was there, so close. I think here in Paris he’s more relaxed, more focused on the things he needs to do. He also made a mistake playing mixed doubles. I think he also lost energy playing mixed doubles for no reason.

It was extremely h*t there and here he’s only focused on the singles title and he’s doing everything to accomplish it. Here he has family with him, kids are with him. So I think he feels better here mentally and that is the most important thing for him at this moment. Well that’s one of the many mistakes he learned from. He’s like this. He’s stubborn sometimes. Even if everyone tells him you shouldn’t play, if he thinks he should play, he will do it. And will try to prove everyone wrong. And he was close. He was close.”

After this feat at 37, it’s really hard not to argue that Djokovic is the best player ever. The former world number 1 has conquered everything a player can win in the professional tour and the circle is closed with this amazing victory. Nole should return to the court in Cincinnati before the US Open.

Novak Djokovic has finally crowned his dream, winning the much-chased Olympic gold medal after beating Carlitos Alcaraz in straight sets (in two tie-breaks), at the end of a very tough challenge, but played perfectly by the Serbian champion. At the end of the match, Djokovic broke down in tears on the clay of the Philippe Chatrier, lighting up the Paris Olympics with his emotional side, bursting into a liberating cry.

In the on-court interview, Nole said he was proud to have won a gold medal representing his country. The Serbian revealed he is feeling unprecedented emotions and that he can’t wait to celebrate in the next 48 hours.

“I am super grateful for the blessing of winning a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the Golden Slam. To complete all the records. I always tell myself that I am enough. Because I can be very self-critical. I don’t know. This is one of the biggest inner battles that I continue to fight with myself. That I feel like I have not done enough or not been enough in my life on and off the court. So it’s a big lesson for me. I have won probably everything there is to win in my individual career. Winning the Davis Cup and especially a gold medal at 37 years old for Serbia is unprecedented. I’m just starting to celebrate. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 48 hours. I’m overwhelmed by everything I’m feeling right now. I have different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled to be able to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Probably the biggest success I’ve had,” he explained.

Carlitos, who broke down in tears after the defeat, said he was proud to have achieved this milestone for his country.

“I’m a little disappointed but honestly I’ll leave the court with my head really, really high. I gave everything I had. Fighting for Spain was everything to me. I’m proud of how I played today. I’m proud to be in this position and to bring a medal to Spain. I’m pretty sure my moment will come. One day I will bring the gold medal to Spain. I will wait for that moment and work for that moment. Now I have to enjoy the silver. It’s also quite incredible. I always want to win. Taking a silver medal, I have to be really, really proud. I’m building a really great career, I guess, I hope it continues. It’s painful to lose the way I lost this match. I probably had my chances to be ahead in the match. I couldn’t stand it. Novak was playing great. He deserves it. In the difficult moments he raised his level. He played incredible shots,” analyzed the young Spaniard.

There are days that mark the rhythm of tennis history: today is one of them. Today Novak Djokovic has crowned the dream of a lifetime, he has disposed of the pressure of a lifetime, winning that Olympic gold medal that he had been chasing for years, rolling on tennis courts all over the world, from 2008 to today.

Cries and bitter tears, transformed today into a liberating pain of joy. The GOAT has given another artwork to humanity, completing the much dreamed Career Golden Slam, winning everything that could be won on a tennis court, destroying any record. And he did it on the Philippe Chatrier, in a tournament where he first beat legendary rival Rafael Nadal and in the final Carlos Alcaraz, who had crushed him in the Wimbledon final. At 37 years old and with a knee operated on a month and a half ago, Djokovic achieved a new amazing milestone, by becoming the oldest tennis player to win an Olympic gold medal. Not only. The Serbian champion is the 5th tennis player in history to get the Career Golden Slam, after Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams.

In Beijing 2008 and London 2012 he surrendered in the semifinals to Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray respectively. In Rio de Janeiro 2016 he suffered one of the hardest defeats of his career against his friend Juan Martin del Potro. And when everything seemed done, he could not handle the pressure and suffered a sensational comeback from Alexander Zverev in Tokyo 2020. He accomplished the feat after an operation on the meniscus and on the surface he loves least compared to the others, almost as if he wanted to reaffirm his extraordinary nature with greater force.

Djokovic has waited his whole life for this moment and won the only title that was still missing from his glorious collection. How will he find his motivation now, after this milestone? The 25th Major and the 8th Wimbledon are the last two records that he could still pursue. At 37 years old, after winning this coveted gold medal, finding motivation will not be easy: but only Djokovic can do it and win again. Novak Djokovic as a child can now look at himself in the mirror and notice something new, capable of emanating a golden glow.

The Serbian champion beat Alcaraz with the score of 7-6(3), 7-6(2). The first set was of an intensity and a level out of the ordinary, and both gave their all without holding back. Alcaraz saved himself with a perfect drop shot in the first game and then came back from 0-40 with quality on 1-2. In the fifth game, it was Djokovic’s turn to do extraordinary things on serve and cancel three break points with three first serve winners. On 4-4, the Serbian literally went against fate, canceling all five opportunities offered to the Spaniard. Alcaraz performed equally well on the set point conceded just before the tie-break.

The tie-break rewarded Djokovic 7-3, who was good at finding a definitive return at 3-3. Thanks to the classic serve and forehand scheme, Alcaraz averted the dangers at the start of the second set. The Serbian tried with all his might to get the break, but the Spaniard proved impeccable in the games that ended in advantages with solutions that were as effective as they were spectacular. Another tie-break shifted the balance: definitively. Djokovic entered the legend with a stellar performance. Fate called.

Novak Djokovic is the 2024 Paris Olympic men’s singles champion! Novak took down the top favorite Carlos Alcaraz in two tie breaks, sealing the deal in two hours and 52 minutes and conquering the only notable title missing in his collection.

Two great rivals battled back and forth, with no breaks and many exciting moments and points. The veteran stood strong in the crucial moments, edging the younger opponent and starting a massive celebration with his family and team.

The opening set lasted for over an hour, with two great rivals pushing each other to the limits. Novak denied all eight break points, and Carlos saved five in his games. The returners failed to make a decisive move, and the Serb prevailed in the tie break after over an hour and a half, taking the opener and gaining a massive boost.

Djokovic served well in the opening service games and wasted a break chance in game two. Alcaraz struggled on serve at 1-2, playing against three break points and denying them, passing an early test and remaining on the positive side.

Novak Djokovic prevailed over Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic Games final.

Novak had to dig deep after missing these opportunities, facing three break points at 2-2.

The Serb denied them and held after another challenging game with a smash winner. They served well in the next three games, leveling the score at 4-4 and preventing the set from lasting even longer. The ninth game required everything from Novak’s arsenal to keep him alive, with the veteran playing against five break points.

They threw everything at each other, and the 24-time Major champion refused to surrender, defending break points and holding with a service winner, moving 5-4 in front after 65 minutes! Carlos prolonged the set with a hold at 30 in game ten, and Novak mirrored that in the next one for 6-5.

The Spaniard netted a volley in the 12th game, offering the Serb a set point. Alcaraz erased it with a forehand winner and introduced a tie break. They served well in the opening six points, increasing the drama.

Djokovic landed a forehand return winner for 4-3, welcomed Alcaraz’s backhand error and landed a service winner for 6-3 and three set points.

Novak seized the first with a volley winner at the net, taking a marathon opener and gaining a boost. Djokovic served better early in the second set, maintaining the pressure on the other side. Alcaraz held after deuces in the first game and experienced a break point from 30-0 at 1-1 after a wild forehand.

Carlos denied it with a mighty forehand crosscourt winner and held, avoiding an early deficit. The Spaniard held after a deuce in the fifth game, and the Serb held at 15 in the next one for 3-3. Djokovic faced the first issues on serve in the eighth game, holding after a deuce and preventing his rival from creating chances.

Carlos claimed a cracking point at deuce in the ninth game, closing it and opening a 5-4 advantage, keeping the pressure on Novak. The set went into a tie break, and Djokovic clinched it 7-2, sealing the deal with a winner and writing ultimate tennis history.