The 3 Keys That Explain Djokovic's Victory Over Alcaraz at the Olympic Games

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After what happened in the Wimbledon final, many thought that Novak Djokovic barely had a chance against Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic Games final. Furthermore, the match was played on clay courts, which, in theory, favored the Spanish player. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Nole delivered his best performance of the year, one of the best in a long time, to claim the only trophy that had eluded him: the Olympic gold.

In trying to understand what happened to see a completely different version of Djokovic compared to just three weeks ago in London, we need to analyze his victory in three key aspects. These three points led Novak to victory against Alcaraz, who played a tremendous game, perhaps outstanding, but to beat the Serbian yesterday, he needed an even higher level.

First key: the forehand

We discussed in the analysis that Nole had to base his superiority on this shot. That's what he did at Roland Garros last year, and he needed it again in this final. Not only did it show up, but this shot made the difference. Overall, Djokovic was better on the forehand side than Alcaraz, and that speaks volumes.

Trying to break new ground, Carlos attempted the crosscourt backhand or that inverted parallel forehand with Djokovic dominating the backhand side. The Serbian had a very clear premise: if his opponent made a move to that area, he had to counter with a very powerful crosscourt forehand that would open up the court and force Carlos to defend or hit uncomfortably. Yesterday was a master class in how to hit that forehand, and Alcaraz had barely any chances to inflict damage there.

In fact, in the second tiebreak of the final, Djokovic hit two winners with this shot. One, with a crosscourt forehand from Alcaraz that Nole barely saw passing by, and another with a parallel forehand from Carlos that left the entire area on his forehand side open for Djokovic to finish the point. Djokovic's forehand was on fire this past Sunday, showing that the Serbian is capable of unleashing unimaginable weapons.

Second and third key: the serve and crucial moments

To finish a three-hour match without conceding a break, on clay, and against a returner like Alcaraz speaks volumes about Djokovic's performance in this final. Carlos had eight break point opportunities, but only in one did he miss a first serve, ending the final with just 15 points lost on his first serve out of the 68 he put into play. Brilliant numbers.

It's not just about how he served but doing it in crucial moments. Where many tremble, Djokovic brings out his best game. That's why he's so great. Of all the break points he faced in the first set, he saved almost all with a first serve and approaching the net four times. By applying pressure, not allowing himself to be dominated, and surprising a desperate Alcaraz who felt like throwing his racket on the ground more than once.

Moreover, Djokovic transformed in the tiebreaks. It's not a good idea to play for a title against a player like Djokovic in a tiebreak. His remarkable victory percentage in these situations doesn't come out of nowhere. In the first tiebreak, Nole hit three winners compared to four unforced errors from Carlos. In the second tiebreak, Djokovic struck three winners versus another four unforced errors from the Spaniard, with just one error from the Serbian. In those two tiebreaks, while Alcaraz made eight errors, Djokovic only made one.

This is one of the aspects that the Spaniard can analyze as areas to improve because he performed outstandingly well throughout the match but struggled in the two tiebreaks. Precisely where he needed to raise his level the most.

Novak was untouchable this Sunday. We dare say that the level we saw yesterday would have defeated all opponents on the circuit. Only an immense Alcaraz came very close, but it wasn't enough. Nole has finally achieved what he longed for, his Olympic gold medal. Let's see how this victory propels him for the remainder of the season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 3 claves que explican la victoria de Djokovic sobre Alcaraz en los Juegos Olímpicos