Tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games: A Flashback
There is something undeniably poetic about the red clay of Paris. It stains your socks, tests your patience, and, in the summer of 2024, it provided the backdrop for some of the most historic moments in Olympic history. From July 27 to August 4, the tennis world descended upon the Stade Roland Garros for a tournament that felt less like a standard stop on the tour and more like a fever dream of legends, underdogs, and tearful goodbyes.
This wasn’t just any Olympic tennis event; it was the first one played on clay since the 1992 Barcelona Games. It was also only the second time in the Open Era that an Olympic tournament was staged at a prestigious Grand Slam venue. For 175 players representing nations from across the globe, the stakes were simple: immortality.
The G.O.A.T. Completes the Puzzle: Novak Djokovic’s Gold
If you were looking for a Hollywood script, look no further than the men’s singles final. Novak Djokovic, arguably the greatest to ever pick up a racket, arrived in Paris with 24 Grand Slam titles but one glaring, gold-shaped hole in his trophy cabinet. At 37 years old, and having undergone knee surgery just weeks prior, the window was closing.
His path to the final was a trip down memory lane, including a second-round clash with his eternal rival Rafael Nadal (who, alongside Serena Williams, was a surprise torchbearer during the Opening Ceremony). But the final hurdle was the most daunting: Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spaniard who had just dismantled Djokovic at Wimbledon a few weeks earlier.
The final was a brutal, three-hour masterclass in mental fortitude. Neither player dropped serve. Every point felt like a heavyweight title fight. Ultimately, Djokovic took it 7-6, 7-6, clinching the gold through two near-perfect tiebreaks. As the final shot flew past Alcaraz, Djokovic collapsed to the clay, his hands shaking in a rare show of raw, unfiltered emotion.
“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would… It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had.” — Novak Djokovic
With this win, Djokovic joined the elite “Career Golden Slam” club—winning all four majors and an Olympic gold—alongside Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. Lorenzo Musetti added to Italy’s growing tennis pedigree by securing the bronze over Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime.
China’s New Queen: Zheng Qinwen Makes History
In the women’s singles, the script was flipped. While the men’s side saw the veteran triumph, the women’s draw was dominated by a rising force. Zheng Qinwen didn’t just win gold; she shattered a glass ceiling, becoming the first Asian player to win an Olympic singles gold medal.
Her journey was anything but easy. In the semifinals, she faced the “Queen of Clay” herself, Iga Świątek. The world #1 had won 25 straight matches at Roland Garros and was the overwhelming favorite. Yet, Zheng played with a fearless composure, upsetting Świątek in straight sets.
In the final, Zheng dismantled Croatia’s Donna Vekić (6-2, 6-3). For China, it was their first tennis gold since the 2004 Athens Games (women’s doubles). Zheng’s victory sparked a tennis frenzy back home, cementing her status as a global superstar. Świątek, despite her heartbreak, managed to regroup and secure the bronze medal for Poland.
Double Trouble and Historic Firsts
The doubles events were equally captivating, filled with “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” chants and Italian celebrations.
- Men’s Doubles: Australia’s Matthew Ebden and John Peers channelled the spirit of “The Woodies” (Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde) to win Australia’s first tennis gold since 1996. They overcame the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in a thrilling match tiebreak. The USA still enjoyed a double podium, as Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul took home the bronze.
- Women’s Doubles: Italy continued its “Golden Age” of tennis. Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini displayed incredible chemistry to win gold. For the 37-year-old Errani, the win was particularly special as it completed her Career Golden Slam in doubles. They defeated the Independent Neutral Athlete pair of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, while Spain’s Cristina Bucșa and Sara Sorribes Tormo claimed bronze.
- Mixed Doubles: The Czech Republic proved why they are a doubles powerhouse. Kateřina Siniaková and Tomáš Macháč—who were famously a couple, then broke up, then won gold together (talk about professional!)—edged out China’s Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen. Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Félix Auger-Aliassime earned a well-deserved bronze.
End of an Era: Farewells to Legends
While many players were celebrating new beginnings, Paris 2024 also marked the final chapter for two of the sport’s most beloved icons.
Sir Andy Murray, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, announced that Paris would be his last dance. Partnering with Dan Evans in doubles, Murray showed his trademark “never say die” attitude, saving multiple match points in the early rounds before finally bowing out in the quarterfinals. The sight of the British legend receiving a guard of honor from his fellow Olympians was a highlight of the Games.
Similarly, former world #1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber called time on her illustrious career. Kerber reached the quarterfinals in singles, falling to the eventual champion Zheng Qinwen in an epic three-set battle. Her departure, marked by a simple wave to the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, felt like a quiet but dignified end to a legendary run.
The Final Medal Count
A total of 10 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) walked away with medals, showcasing the global depth of the sport.
| Rank | NOC | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | China | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2 | Italy | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Czech Republic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Serbia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Spain | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | United States | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 8 | Croatia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| – | Individual Neutral Athletes | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Canada | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Poland | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
The Paris Legacy
The Paris 2024 tennis tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future. We saw the “Big Three” era reach its golden conclusion with Djokovic, while Zheng Qinwen and Carlos Alcaraz signaled a new dawn.
Playing at Roland Garros added a layer of prestige that only a Grand Slam venue can provide. The red dirt was difficult, the sun was hot, and the pressure was immense—but that’s exactly what made it so special. As the Olympic flame was extinguished in Paris, the echoes of the cheers at Philippe-Chatrier remained, reminding us why we love this game: it’s about the heart as much as it is about the trophy.
