Paris Olympics singles gold winners Novak Djokovic & Zheng Qinwen's 1R opponents both win doubles gold in incredible parallel
The tennis action at the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded on August 4. With the winners of all five categories now crowned, a fascinating parallel has come to light, between the gold medalists of singles and doubles format.
Novak Djokovic finally fulfilled the last remaining goal of his career by winning the singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serb defeated reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final in straight sets to take the gold. Meanwhile, China's Zheng Qinwen surprised the tennis world by winning the gold medal in the women's singles. Like Djokovic, Zheng also won her final in straight sets against Donna Vekic.
Both Djokovic and Zheng began their campaign in Paris with thumping victories. The Serb faced Matthew Ebden of Australia in his first-round contest. Ebden, a doubles specialist, entered the singles main draw as an alternate and was dominated by Djokovic who won the match 6-0, 6-1. Zheng began her title quest against Sara Errani and went one better than Djokovic. The Chinese No. 1 hammered the Italian veteran 6-0, 6-0.
After their ouster from the singles category, Errani and Ebden continued their journey in Paris in the doubles, their specialty, and both went on to win gold medals. Errani partnered with Jasmine Paolini and defeated Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider of the AIN to bag the women's gold medal for Italy. Meanwhile, Ebden and John Peers outlasted Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek of the USA in the men's gold medal match.
Novak Djokovic and Sara Errani complete Career Golden Slam at Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics was probably the last chance for Novak Djokovic and Sara Errani to achieve the Golden Slam, i.e., winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal. And the veteran duo did just that. Djokovic, 37, completed his Grand Slam set with victories at the Australian Open in 2008, the French Open in 2016, Wimbledon in 2011, and the US Open in 2011.
With his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic became the fifth player in the Open Era to accomplish the career Golden Slam in singles. Others on the list are Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, and Rafael Nadal.
Errani, also 37, achieved the career Golden Slam alongside Djokovic at the Paris Olympics, albeit in doubles. A decade ago, Errani completed victories in the women's doubles at all four Grand Slams with compatriot Roberta Vinci (2014 and 2014 Australian Open, 2012 French Open, 2014 Wimbledon, 2012 US Open).
And now, with her doubles Olympic gold medal, the Italian has become the seventh woman to win the career Golden Slam in women’s doubles after Pam Shriver, Gigi Fernandez, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Barbora Krejcikova, and Katerina Siniakova.