GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles shares story behind bowing to Rebeca Andrade with Jordan Chiles: ‘She deserved it’

By Admin August 7, 2024

“She had the best floor routine of the day and in the Olympics,” Biles said of Andrade’s performance at the finals event.

Simone Biles explained the meaning behind her and her teammate Jordan Chiles’ bow to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade as she was awarded the gold medal in the women’s floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Aug. 5.

“I think it’s all about sportsmanship, and we don’t care whether we win or lose. We’re always going to keep a good face and support our competitors because they’ve worked just as hard as we have for that moment,” Biles said on TODAY Aug. 6.

“So you have to give them their flowers,” she continued. “And that’s exactly what me and Jordan were doing, and we were so happy for her. She deserved it. She had the best floor routine of the day and in the Olympics. So it’s like, yeah, she deserved it.”

After the bow, Andrade reached for their hands. The iconic moment immediately went viral on social media, as fans commended the sweet moment of sportsmanship and sisterhood.

Biles won the silver medal with her floor routine, and Chiles scooped up the bronze. After submitting an inquiry into Chiles’ score, the judges gave her a new score that sent her onto the podium.

When the results came in, Biles was right there next to Chiles celebrating her win.

“She’s worked so hard for that moment. We really put those routines in, in training … no matter what pressure we’re under, they tried to make us hit as many routines as possible — like well done,” she said.

“And so just to see how excited Jordan was, and I knew that meant the world to her,” she continued. “I was so happy for her because it’s been a long run and we’ve done this for so long together and competing again on an Olympic stage is crazy.”

Biles added she shared a special moment with Chiles once the competition had ended and the pair were back in the Olympic Village together.

“Yesterday, once we got back to the village, I looked at Jordan and I just started bawling my eyes out,” Biles said. “She was like, ‘I knew it was gonna happen. I just didn’t know when!’ And I think it was just, I was so full of emotion and I finally released all of that.”

“I was so proud, happy, bittersweet that the journey is over. It’s so crazy, it happened so quick — my third Olympics,” she continued.

During warmups for the floor routine, Biles fell and then re-taped her calf before she performed her final floor routine. It appears that Biles has been dealing with a lower-leg injury since the beginning of the gymnastics competition in Paris.

She arrived on TODAY wearing a boot, which she said was just precautionary.

“We’re resting up as much as possible. We have tour in a couple of weeks, so I’m just gonna rest and heal,” Biles said.

As for what is next for Biles, the 27-year-old didn’t rule out competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“You know, you never say never,” she said. “The next Olympics is on home turf, so you just never know.”

Biles concluded: “I’m just gonna relax and see where life takes me.”

The Olympian also shared that she and her husband Jonathan Owens want to become parents in the future.

“Me and Jonathan always talk about kids, and he would have had them like, yesterday, if he could have,” she said. “Obviously we both have goals that we want to achieve before we start a family. But yes, that’s definitely in our future.”

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GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics-Simone Biles proud of showing her strength, ‘coming out on top’

By Admin August 7, 2024

PARIS, Aug 6 (Reuters) – Simone Biles is leaving Paris with her head held high, proud of becoming a three-time Olympian and continuing to show the world how dominant she is in gymnastics, and doing it with grace. At the Games, the 27-year-old collected gold medals in the team, all-around and vault competitions, as well as a silver on the floor exercise. Reflecting on her Paris experience on Tuesday, the 11-time Olympic medallist told Reuters that while she is still processing the events of the last couple of weeks, she is proud of her determination. “(I am) just showing my strength through and through and just coming out on top each and every time so I’m just really proud of that,” she said.

Biles, who was 19 when she won four gold medals and a bronze at the Rio Games, has learned a lot about herself in the past eight years, though she was not certain she would ever return to the world stage after the Tokyo Games in 2021, when she withdrew with a potentially dangerous mental block known as the “twisties”.

When asked about the 2024 version of herself, she responded: “A hard worker, dedicated, strong, beautiful, smart.” Behind the scenes, she plays the role of mentor, praised by teammate Sunisa Lee for being a confidence booster. “Having (my teammates) there to lean on was absolutely amazing and I wouldn’t have made it through without them,” Lee told Reuters. But more than a support role for her teammates, Biles hopes to inspire young gymnasts, athletes and even adults to gain confidence and trust in themselves and learn how to handle tough times. “Never give up, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I know it’s hard and everybody goes through hard things but you’re going to come out on top,” she said.

Having regularly worked with a therapist since Tokyo, Biles tries to stay lighthearted in her approach to competing on the big stage, and she does not have any pre-competition rituals.

“I’m not very superstitious, (I) just go with the flow,” she said.

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TENNIS

Iga Swiatek regains US Open title, Coco Gauff & Aryna Sabalenka recapture form, Elena Rybakina struggles

By Admin August 6, 2024

Iga Swiatek regains US Open title, Coco Gauff & Aryna Sabalenka recapture form, Elena Rybakina struggles – our WTA hard-court summer predictions

It’s been an intriguing season on the WTA Tour so far, with things taking a very similar path to the 2023 season.

Aryna Sabalenka defended her Australian Open title and Iga Swiatek made it a ‘threepeat’ at Roland Garros, before a surprise Czech winner at Wimbledon – this time in the form of Barbora Krejcikova.

Ahead of the hard-court summer, we make our predictions for what could be a fascinating next stage of the calendar.

Swiatek surges in New York

The Olympics were bittersweet for Swiatek, with the Pole taking home a bronze medal – but falling short of her golden ambition.

That came off the back of a disappointing Wimbledon campaign, though there is no doubt she’s been the player of the year, reigning supreme as No 1 and winning five big titles.

Swiatek has had success in New York previously, winning the US Open in 2022, and she is one of the favourites heading in.

With time to rest after Paris and conditions that suit her, we think a sixth Grand Slam title could head her way.

No title defence for Gauff – but she still stars

World No 2 Coco Gauff will be the face of the US Open, a year on from winning her first Grand Slam title on home soil in New York.

After a strong start to 2024, her form has dipped a little recently, falling early at Wimbledon and the Olympics – with her forehand starting to look vulnerable once again.

Pressure is on her to defend titles in New York – and Cincinnati before that – but she has proven she can play well at those events, and handle home expectations.

We expect her to star once again and still go deep at multiple events this summer.

WTA Tour News

WTA Rankings: Paula Badosa +22 after winning fourth title, Emma Raducanu +20 and back as British No 2

WTA Canadian Open draw: Coco Gauff leads field after Paris 2024 flop, Ons Jabeur and Naomi Osaka set for blockbuster

Sabalenka gets her groove back

Sabalenka’s absence at Wimbledon was sorely felt, with the world No 3 and perennial Slam contender absent with a shoulder issue.

In her first event since then, she looked a little ragged in Washington, beaten in the last four and not quite looking herself.

However, she is always a threat at the biggest events, and she has time to round into form nicely ahead of the US Open.

Having reached at least the quarter-final of the last seven majors she has played, she should be reaching the business end of Flushing Meadows.

Rybakina’s patchy summer continues

It’s been another strange season for Elena Rybakina, who has won three 500-level titles – but has had a lot of ups and downs elsewhere.

Once again, illness has been an issue, forcing her out of her Indian Wells and Rome title defences – and then the Olympics just a fortnight ago.

The hard-court summer has never been the happiest hunting ground for the Kazakh, who has never made it past round three at the US Open.

Based on how this season has gone, we have limited expectations for her over the coming weeks.

Krejcikova and Qinwen to threaten

After dropping off during the middle part of the season, Krejcikova and Zheng Qinwen surged back into form with huge triumphs at SW19 and the Olympics respectively.

Both are great competitors and approach the summer with huge confidence, particularly Zheng – who has now won back-to-back titles.

The Chinese star reached her first Slam quarter-final at the US Open in 2023, and she can certainly threaten once again.

While Krejcikova, now the winner of two major singles titles, is also a past Flushing Meadows quarter-finalist – and will be tricky to beat.

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TENNIS

Naomi Osaka’s Astounding Confession of ‘Stalking’ Iga Swiatek at Paris Olympics – ‘Trying to Copy’

By Admin August 6, 2024

Former US Open champion Naomi Osaka had quite a moment in Paris. She might not have had a long run at the Olympics, but her hard work was quite visible to her followers. While Osaka hasn’t shown an impressive performance this season, she is dedicated to making a change. Stalking the moves of talented Iga Swiatek, Osaka fuels excitement about her next performance in Canada. Is she trying her heart and soul for a victory?

Before starting her Canadian Open tour tomorrow, Osaka sat down for a press conference to delve into many important things such as her recent loss at the Paris Olympics, and the changing definition of success in her life. However, she surprised everyone by mentioning her reason for stalking her colleague and the world’s number one tennis player, Iga Swiatek. “Honestly, I was stalking Iga. I was like watching her practice at the Olympics and for me, that’s something I want to do more like watch the great players because there’s always something I can pick up on and I know she has one of the better footwork or probably the best footwork skills on the WTA so yeah I’m just trying to copy a little,” said Osaka.

The Japanese WTA star faced off against Swiatek in 2024 May during the French Open and lost. Before she played against the Polish tennis star, she praised Swiatek’s tennis skills. “I watched her a lot when I was pregnant. Honestly, I think it’s an honor to play her in the French Open because she’s won more than once here. It’s a very big honor and challenge for me,” said the Japanese former US Open champion. Naomi Osaka’s revelations expressed that she is hell bound to improvise her form and, for that, she is vested in seeking inspiration from the top WTA player.

On the other hand, Swiatek expressed her best wishes for Osaka last year. After Shai’s birth in July of last year, Osaka decided to return to her favorite sport and Swiatek seemed visibly happy about it.

Iga Swiatek was “happy” about Naomi Osaka’s decision to return to tennis post-child-birth

In an interview with The National News in December, Iga Swiatek expressed delight in hearing about her “friend” Naomi Osaka’s return to the court with a wildcard entry at the Australian Open tour. “Naomi, we may play against each other, so it is pretty funny, but I am happy she is back. I am curious if they are going to be rusty or not but, obviously, they are both really experienced and I hope they are going to do well,” Swiatek said.

During Swiatek’s match against Osaka at the Roland Garros second round, this Polish tennis star revealed how the latter put pressure on her. “I guess Naomi for sure, I didn’t have time to kind of get into it. It was just intense from the beginning and she put pressure on me, so I’m happy that I handled it well and after that, the weather changed also. So, it helps my game, I feel. I just gained confidence I would say,” she said.

Nevertheless, Naomi Osaka’s admiration for her colleague Iga Swiatek showed how tennis turns two opponents into friends. Despite rivalry, Swiatek and Osaka restore people’s faith in a positive professional bond.

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TENNIS

Rafael Nadal Revealed as Main Culprit Behind Roger Federer’s Career-Threatening Injury: ‘Broke My Back’

By Admin August 6, 2024

A lefty spinner is a dangerous player to tackle on the court. We’ve all heard that before. Primarily for the ATP Tour, that entity is Rafael Nadal. So much so that even the great Roger Federer couldn’t be saved from his ruthless topspin game. The result after several years of rivalry? Federer suffers a great physical ordeal.

The ‘Swiss Maestro’ has furnished the tennis world with one of the most elegant careers ever produced by the sport. Despite walking away from the sport in 2022 at the Laver Cup, Federer continues to indulge himself in conversations surrounding active players and his past encounters with them. Subsequently, the former World No. 1 touched down on a disheartening moment. He talked about a time when he and Nadal shared a breathtaking on-court rivalry, and the Spaniard extracted the worst of Federer’s physical limits.

Talking in a recently released ‘Behind the Design‘ series with his sponsor, Wilson, the Swiss discussed what prompted his racket change in an episode. Specifically, Federer’s switch from a shorter 90-inch racket frame to “something bigger.” The 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed how the Spanish legend’s extreme forward swing gameplay forced his back injury during their 2013 Indian Wells encounter.

This, in turn, led the 42-year-old to endure a difficult year on the circuit, hampering his level of play all season. “I broke my back in Indian Wells really badly, had a terrible back for many weeks and months. I felt the pain sometimes from Rafa with his lefty going high into my backhand.” For the unversed, the 2013 BNP Paribas Open witnessed Federer’s struggles with his back.

The hardcourt event’s defending champion sustained a tweak in his back after claiming a routine third-round win over Ivan Dodig. However, things took a turn when Federer was unable to fully recover for his face-off against the Spaniard. Consequently, he suffered a straight-set loss from Nadal.

At the time, the former World No. 1 underplayed the situation. Federer refused to use his back injury as an excuse for his unfortunate performance. “I mean, I could play. I’m happy to be out there and able to compete. But it’s obviously a small issue.”

Going up against Nadal was never easy for the former Swiss pro. He had to jump through multiple hoops to overcome his challenge. And that has been publicly admitted by the ‘Maestro’ himself.

Roger Federer discloses that arch-enemy Rafael Nadal made him ‘second guess’

Fedal’s on-court duels are one of the most talked about rivalries of all time. The tennis titans clashed on 40 occasions, with Rafa leading their head-to-head 24-16. Ever since the duo’s first clash at the 2005 Miami Open, the Swiss faced a formidable challenge from the Spaniard. Not only that, he had to toughen his mentality whenever he walked on the court to battle the 22-time Major champion.

While talking in an interview with ‘Financial Times,’ Federer revealed the mental scrutiny Nadal put him through during his time on the Tour. “He gave me so many more problems than other players could. He made me second-guess myself, go back to the drawing board, and come up with a new master plan — and then also not overthink it.”

Federer and Nadal last locked horns at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. There, the ‘Swiss Maestro’ outclassed his longtime opponent 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the event’s semifinal. As for Nadal, he was last witnessed in action at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered a disappointing end to his gold medal dream run in both the singles and the doubles events.

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TENNIS

Rafa Nadal sends inspiring message to broken-hearted tennis star, Carlos Alcaraz

By Admin August 6, 2024

In a touching display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, tennis legend Rafael Nadal has extended his support to rising star Carlos Alcaraz following the latter’s challenging defeat in the Olympic final. Alcaraz was too emotional to speak after missing out on Olympic gold to Novak Djokovic. Spain’s young sporting star fought back tears and was unable to comment to sports commentators after the match.

Known for his unwavering support for fellow Spanish athletes, Nadal took to social media to offer words of encouragement to the young tennis star. “Although I know today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the entire country and you will see, with time, that it is for you too,” Nadal wrote. “Thank you for this incredible week and for the medal you give to Spanish sports. A hug.”

Rafa Nadal shared wisdom and compassion with Carlos Alcaraz

The message, filled with empathy and wisdom, reflects Nadal’s deep understanding of the emotional rollercoaster athletes experience. Despite the disappointment of losing the Olympic gold, Nadal reminded Alcaraz of the significance of his achievement for the entire nation.

Alcaraz, currently ranked world No. 3, has enjoyed a stellar season, capturing titles at Indian Wells, the French Open, and Wimbledon. His run to the Olympic final was proof of his immense talent and potential.

The next generation of sporting stars

Nadal himself recently concluded his tournament run, exiting the Paris tournament in the final against Novak Djokovic. Despite his own competitive spirit, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has always prioritised inspiring the next generation of tennis stars.

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TENNIS

RAFAEL NADAL MATCH WORN 2005 FRENCH OPEN SHIRT … Sells For Over $113K!!!

By Admin August 6, 2024

Rafael Nadal‘s match-worn shirt from the 2005 French Open final against Roger Federer exceeded expectations at auction … selling for over $113K!

The shirt is literally off Nadal’s back … a garment he wore for at least three matches during the major tennis tournament. One of those matches was a clash with fellow all-time great, Federer.

You might recall, Nadal defeated Federer — ranked No. 1 at that time — in the semifinal … one of only a handful of men to defeat RF. It also happened to be Nadal’s 19th birthday.

Now you can see why the piece was so desirable… even surpassing the $100K estimated auction price by the experts at Prestige Memorabilia.

All told, Rafa’s shirt was bid on 15 times, with the high mark coming in at $113,924!

Nadal is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players ever. He holds 14 French Open titles, 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, and two Olympic gold medals.

The 38-year-old was also named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2022.

Congrats to the winner!

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TENNIS

The 5 men to win ATP titles in the most consecutive years as Novak Djokovic ties Rafael Nadal’s record

By Admin August 6, 2024

Novak Djokovic has equalled Rafael Nadal’s record for winning a title in the most successive seasons after his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had not won a tournament since the 2023 ATP Finals in November prior to his victory against Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic final.

It was the 37-year-old legend’s longest start to a season without a trophy since he claimed his maiden ATP title in 2006.

Here, we look at the five players who have won an ATP singles title in the most consecutive years.

5. Jimmy Connors – 13 seasons (1972-1984)

Jimmy Connors secured his maiden title at the Jacksonville Open in 1972 and won tournaments every season from 1972 to 1984 — with 105 of his record 109 titles coming during this 13-year period.

The highest number of titles the American won in a season was the mammoth tally of 15 he collected in 1974, while his last title came at the 1989 Tel Aviv Open.

Tennis News

‘Novak Djokovic proved me wrong’, admits Slam winner and frequent critic after Paris Olympics triumph

ATP Canadian Open draw: Jannik Sinner returns, but event hit hard by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz absence

4. Ivan Lendl – 14 seasons (1980-1993)

Ivan Lendl claimed his first ATP title in Houston in 1980 — a triumph that started a run of 14 straight seasons in which he won at least one event.

The Czech-American’s biggest title-haul in a year was a superb 15 in 1983, while the last of his 94 tournament victories was at the 1993 Tokyo Indoor.

3. Roger Federer – 15 seasons (2001-2015)

Roger Federer won his maiden singles title at the 2001 Milan Indoor and he secured a tournament in 15 straight years from 2001-2005 — with 88 of his 103 titles coming in this stretch.

The Swiss won a career-best 12 titles during a staggering 2006 campaign and the final event he won was the 2019 Swiss Indoors in Basel.

=1. Novak Djokovic – 19 seasons (2006-2024)

Djokovic has won at least one title in each of the last 19 seasons since he triumphed at a tour-level tournament for the first time at the 2006 Dutch Open.

The most titles the Serbian has won in a year was the 11 he collected in an astonishing 2015 season. Djokovic’s 99th and most recent title was his triumph at the 2024 Olympics.

=1. Rafael Nadal – 19 seasons (2004-2022)

Nadal‘s first title came at the Warsaw Open in 2004 and he won a tournament in 19 straight years between 2004 and 2022.

The Spaniard’s largest title haul in a single season was the 11 he won in a brilliant 2005 campaign. Nadal lifted his 92nd and most recent trophy at the 2022 French Open.

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TENNIS

The 10 men with the most clay-court titles: Rafael Nadal top with 63 as Novak Djokovic wins his 20th

By Admin August 6, 2024

Rafael Nadal has won more titles on clay than any other man and his unparalleled dominance on the surface has earned him the ‘King of Clay’ title.

There are 10 men who have won 20 or more titles on clay courts in the Open Era, with Novak Djokovic becoming the latest to join this list after his 2024 Paris Olympics victory.

Here, we look at the 10 players with the most ATP singles titles on clay-courts.

=9. Novak Djokovic – 20

Novak Djokovic has secured 20 of his 99 titles on clay, with his first tournament win coming on clay at the 2006 Dutch Open, while his most recent was at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As well as his gold medal, the Serbian’s clay titles include three French Opens, 11 Masters 1000 events and five ATP 250 tournaments.

=9. Mats Wilander – 20

Mats Wilander won the first of his 33 career titles at the 1982 French Open, while his 20th and last clay-court triumph was at the 1988 Palermo Open.

The Swede’s most significant clay-court titles include three Roland Garros crowns, two Monte Carlo titles and a victory in Rome.

8. Jose Luis Clerc – 21

Jose Luis Clerc secured 21 of his 35 ATP titles on clay, including his first at the 1978 Florence Open and his last in Washington in 1983.

The Argentine’s biggest clay-court title came at the 1981 Italian Open, where he defeated Victor Pecci in the final.

7. Ivan Lendl – 28

Ivan Lendl collected 28 of his 94 career singles titles at clay-court events, including his first in Houston in 1980 and his penultimate title in Munich in 1993.

The Czech-American is a three-time French Open champion, while he also won big clay titles in Rome (twice), Monte Carlo, Hamburg and Forest Hills.

6. Ilie Nastase – 31

Ilie Nastase won the first of his 64 singles titles on clay at the 1968 Colombia International in Barranquilla, while his 31st and final clay-court victory was at the 1977 Aix-en-Provence Open.

The Romanian claimed his second and last Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 1973, while he also won sizeable clay events in Rome and Barcelona.

=4. Bjorn Borg – 32

Bjorn Borg secured the first of his 32 titles on clay courts at the 1974 Italian Open, while his 66th and last career title was on clay at the 1981 Geneva Open.

The Swede won six French Open titles and was also a three-time winner in Monte Carlo and a two-time Italian Open champion.

=4 Manuel Orantes – 32

Manuel Orantes claimed 32 of his 34 ATP titles at clay-court tournaments, with his maiden clay triumph at the 1969 Barcelona Open and his last coming in Bournemouth in 1982.

The Spaniard’s career highlight is beating Jimmy Connors in the final of the 1975 US Open, when the Grand Slam was played on green clay at Forest Hills.

3. Thomas Muster – 40

Thomas Muster won the first of his 44 titles on clay at the 1986 Dutch Open, while his 40th and final clay-court tournament win was in Bogota in 1996.

The Austrian was a French Open champion in 1995 and also secured six Masters series crowns on clay — three in both Monte Carlo and Rome.

2. Guillermo Vilas – 49

Guillermo Vilas earned 49 of his 62 ATP titles at clay-court events, including his first at the 1973 Argentina Open and his last in Kitzbuhel in 1983.

The Argentine won both the French Open and the US Open in 1977 (the last year in which the latter was played on clay) and was also an Italian Open champion.

1. Rafael Nadal – 63

Nadal has secured 63 of his 92 singles titles to date on clay, including his maiden title in Warsaw in 2004 and his most recent at the 2022 French Open.

The Spaniard has won the most titles at Roland Garros (14), the Barcelona Open (12), the Monte Carlo Masters (11) and the Italian Open (10), and has also won a record four Madrid Open titles since the event switched to clay.

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TENNIS

Rafael Nadal’s message for Carlos Alcaraz after heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic

By Admin August 6, 2024

Nadal reacts to Alcaraz falling short versus Djokovic in the Paris Olympics final.

Rafael Nadal offered some encouraging words to Carlos Alcaraz after the 21-year-old’s painful Paris Olympics final loss to Novak Djokovic as the 22-time Grand Slam champion told Alcaraz he knew what he was going through but also highlighted that any Olympic medal is a big thing.

After dominating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final for a second consecutive year and improving to four Grand Slam titles, Alcaraz was hoping he would beat the Serb again and also become an Olympic champion. And even though Alcaraz played at a very high level throughout the final, 37-year-old Djokovic used all of his experience to find a way to be a bit better and clinch a tight 7-6 (3) 7-6 (2) win.

Moments after the final was over, world No. 3 Alcaraz burst into tears and it wasn’t hard to see how heartbroken and devastated he was over the loss.

“Carlos, although I know that today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the entire country and you will see, over time, that it is for you too,” Nadal said in a message posted on his Instagram Story after the final.

Nadal, who Alcaraz once idolized and looked up to, won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also won the main glory with Marc Lopez in the doubles competition at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Alcaraz’s candid confession after the Olympics final

Whenever Alcaraz was asked about his hopes and expectations for his Olympic debut, he wasn’t hiding that he was feeling extremely confident about his recent form and that the goal was one and clear – winning gold. And after booking a final meeting with Djokovic, the 21-year-old Spaniard made it clear that he wanted the win but that he was also determined to make the Spanish people proud.

But after falling short in the final and crying afterward, Alcaraz admitted that he was feeling major pressure in the final and that he got emotional because he felt that he let down his people in some ways.

“I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards. I felt that I let the Spanish people down by not winning the gold,” Alcaraz said.

“It was a different type of pressure. Everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well. In those difficult moments I usually raise my level, but I wasn’t able to do that today. Probably I felt the pressure in those situations. You play four Grand Slams every year, the Olympics is only once every four years.”

What Alcaraz said about Djokovic’s performance?

Alcaraz may have been extremely disappointed about failing to get the job done against Djokovic but that didn’t stop him from giving where credit is due and acknowledging that the Serb deserved to become an Olympic champion. Also, the 21-year-old vowed to return stronger and give his best to land a gold medal in the future.

“It’s very painful to lose this match the way I did. I feel like I had a few chances, but you can’t let a player like Djokovic slip away. The truth is that he deserves this success, he played amazingly,” Alcaraz said.

“Right now I’m a little disappointed, above all, because I feel like I’ve let down a lot of people who expected me to win Olympic gold. I can only say that I’m leaving here with my head held high because I’ve given everything I had and I hope to win gold sometime in my career.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic couldn’t hide his happiness and he wasn’t hiding how much it meant to him and how he felt after becoming an Olympic champion.

In the last couple of years, Djokovic highlighted several times that winning a gold medal was his major wish and he made it clear earlier this year that it was his biggest goal for the remainder of his career.

And now, Djokovic is a record 24-time Grand Slam champion – has spent the most weeks at No. 1 in tennis history – and he also has an Olympic gold medal.

“This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling. I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today,” Djokovic said.

“Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”

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