Djokovic steeled for last chance for gold

PARIS : Moments after Novak Djokovic beat Lorenzo Musetti to reach his first Olympic final the Serbian said in a court-side television interview that he had nothing to lose in the gold-medal match.

Later that day, however, when asked whether he would be happy to leave the Paris Games with silver, the 37-year-old glared at his inquisitor and snapped: "Next question!"

Djokovic faces Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster showdown at Roland Garros on Sunday and only victory will really satisfy the 24-time Grand Slam champion's hunger.

His four previous appearances at the Olympics earned him a solitary bronze medal and plenty of heartache as he lost three singles semi-finals to Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev.

His relief at going a stage further in Paris was obvious as he fell on his back on the red clay after finishing off Italian Musetti.

While he said the 21-year-old Alcaraz was the favourite, after the Spaniard beat him badly in the Wimbledon final last month, Djokovic has a steely look in his eye. He knows this is his last shot at the golden piece he needs to complete his career jigsaw puzzle.

"He reached the final without dropping a set. I mean, I did too, but I think with the way he's playing he's definitely a favourite," said Djokovic, the oldest player to reach the Olympic men's singles final since tennis returned to the Games in 1988.

"I feel like I'm a different player than I was at Wimbledon, the way I move, the way I'm striking the ball. Not to take anything away from him winning the Wimbledon final, he was dominating and deservedly a winner, but I feel more confident about myself and my chances in the final."

Djokovic will have enjoyed a day off on Saturday, resting the right knee that needed surgery in