Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz? – Boris Becker picks ‘clear favourite’ to win Olympic gold

Tennis legend Boris Becker has identified Novak Djokovic as the “clear favorite” to capture the elusive gold medal in men’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the tennis world turns its attention to the Games, Becker, a former world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, highlighted Djokovic’s experience, fitness, and unyielding determination as factors that give him a distinct edge over other competitors, including his young rival, Carlos Alcaraz.

The Paris Olympics present Djokovic with the opportunity to complete his already illustrious trophy collection, as an Olympic gold medal remains the one significant prize missing. This will be Djokovic’s fifth Olympic appearance, and he has his eyes firmly set on the gold medal that slipped through his fingers in previous Games. Becker, who coached Djokovic from 2014 to 2016 and witnessed him win six Grand Slam titles during that time, believes the Serbian’s physical and mental preparedness make him the favorite for the top spot on the podium.

Becker pointed to Djokovic’s recent form and his victory over Rafael Nadal at Stade Roland Garros as indicators of his readiness. In a stunning performance, Djokovic defeated Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Olympic tournament. Reflecting on the match, Becker said, “That was a big win for him [against Nadal], so he must feel good about his chances.” Djokovic’s triumph over one of his greatest rivals serves as a morale boost and further solidifies his position as a front-runner in Paris.

“Novak is exceptional,” Becker continued, praising Djokovic’s unique combination of discipline, fitness, and focus, which has allowed him to compete at the highest level even at age 37. “He’s incredibly fit at 37, and he takes great care of himself. His diet and lifestyle are entirely focused on tennis, which is why he’s still in such good form. But he is 37, so we have to keep that in mind.” While acknowledging Djokovic’s age, Becker emphasized that his commitment to health and rigorous conditioning keep him in prime shape. Djokovic’s approach to training, along with his adherence to a meticulous lifestyle, is aimed at extending his career and sustaining his performance, even against much younger players.

Djokovic’s best Olympic result to date came in 2008 when he won a bronze medal at the Beijing Games, defeating James Blake in the third-place match. Since then, the Serbian icon has returned to the Olympics with high expectations but faced several heartbreaks, including a surprising loss in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Now, with the Games returning to a clay-court setting at Stade Roland Garros—where he has enjoyed immense success over the years—Djokovic’s determination to win is stronger than ever.

Djokovic enters the tournament as the top seed and remains a dominant force, even as the men’s tennis landscape has been invigorated by rising stars. Among these young talents is Carlos Alcaraz, a 21-year-old Spaniard who has emerged as a formidable rival to Djokovic. Alcaraz, who is making his Olympic debut, has had a stellar season, winning the French Open and defending his title at Wimbledon. His recent triumph over Djokovic in the Wimbledon final showcased his skill, resilience, and potential to disrupt Djokovic’s Olympic quest.

Speaking to Eurosport, Becker acknowledged Alcaraz’s impressive form, but he remained resolute in his belief that Djokovic holds the advantage. “Before the tournament started, I put Novak Djokovic as the favorite,” Becker said, pointing to Djokovic’s extensive experience and history of overcoming high-pressure situations. “Now Jannik Sinner has defaulted, but Carlos Alcaraz is still very much in the draw. I think Novak has a good chance to at least medal. I would say Djokovic is the clear favorite.”

Alcaraz, seeded No. 2 in Paris, is widely seen as Djokovic’s biggest obstacle on his path to gold. The young Spaniard’s remarkable adaptability and fierce playing style have made him one of the most exciting talents in men’s tennis. As the reigning champion at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz is arguably the form player heading into the Olympics. However, Becker contends that Djokovic’s mental toughness, honed over years of high-stakes matches, could make the difference in a potential Olympic final showdown.

The two top seeds could indeed clash in the gold medal match, a potential face-off eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. Alcaraz’s youth and agility stand in contrast to Djokovic’s experience and tactical mastery, creating a compelling matchup between generations. The outcome of such a contest would not only decide the Olympic champion but could also redefine the balance of power in men’s tennis.

Djokovic’s next match in Paris will see him take on world No. 70 Dominik Koepfer in the third round. Koepfer, a German player known for his tenacity, will face a challenging task in trying to unseat the Serbian superstar. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is set to meet the world No. 66 Roman Safiullin, where he hopes to maintain his momentum and inch closer to a potential Olympic final.

For Djokovic, the Olympics represent a final frontier. Already a 24-time Grand Slam champion, he has surpassed the likes of Federer and Nadal in major titles and holds records that place him among the greatest athletes in the history of tennis. An Olympic gold medal would provide a fitting capstone to his career, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished and versatile players of all time.

As Djokovic pursues Olympic glory, the tennis world watches closely. His age, combined with the physical demands of the sport, adds an element of urgency to his quest. Should he succeed in Paris, it would be a testament to his resilience, preparation, and sheer determination. For now, Becker and many others remain confident that Djokovic has what it takes to finally capture the gold, though Alcaraz and other young stars are poised to challenge him every step of the way.

Ultimately, Djokovic’s bid for Olympic gold is more than just another tournament—it is a final piece in a career that has already achieved almost everything else. In the end, whether he emerges victorious or not, Djokovic’s journey in Paris promises to be a captivating chapter in the ever-evolving story of modern tennis.

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