The incredible Olympics of Italian tennis

In the end, despite the absence of Jannik Sinner, the Paris Olympics were a memorable expedition for Italian tennis. On Saturday, the first medal after a century, and on Sunday, a second one with the Olympic gold: all in 24 hours of adrenaline, suffering, and, finally, great smiles bathed in tears of joy. The smiles of those who know they have written indelible pages in the history of Italian sports: no one can take away from Lorenzo Musetti the record established with his success in the men's singles "final match," just as no one can take away the achievement of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani in the final of the women's doubles. Not bad, considering that in the Open Era, Italy had never occupied a podium position in any of the five events; and remembering that the only Olympic medal - the bronze of Uberto De Morpurgo in 1924 (also in Paris) - is now dated a century ago. This time, in terms of medals, we were the second-best delegation in tennis, only behind China.

In between the two challenges, on the court of Philippe Chatrier, the most anticipated final for the global audience was played, if only for the sports legacy that it carried, as the emotions at the end of the match clearly illustrated. Novak Djokovic gave another - and perhaps unnecessary - taste of his strength. His career seems to know no end and does not even comprehend the meaning of "decline": if it were still necessary, the quality of the game and the mental solidity expressed by the Serb against Carlos Alcaraz, at the age of 37 and with a not-so-optimal physical condition, testify to that. Looking at his career, the only possible question now is whether he is the greatest tennis player ever born. And, judging by the results, the answer seems increasingly unanimous: "Nole." To complete the tennis spectrum of this thrilling Olympic edition: Zheng Qinwen (China) confirmed her title in the final against Donna Vekic (6-2, 6-3), completing the masterpiece that began on Thursday with the elimination of the super-favorite Iga Swiatek; Matthew Ebden and John Peers (Australia) were crowned champions of the men's doubles, while Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac (Czech Republic) won in mixed doubles.

The Blue Highlight

In the decisive moments, our rackets did not tremble at all in front of the Parisian crowd. Musetti, currently ranked number 17 in the world, faced Felix Auger-Aliassime: he started strong (6-4) but faltered noticeably in the second set (1-6), which seemed to be the prelude to a Canadian finale. Instead, quite the opposite: he didn’t drop out of the match and, at the most critical moment, found his tennis and all the energy needed to prevail in the third set (6-3). "Wearing the blue jersey, I almost forgot all the pain and fatigue I arrived with in Paris during these days," he recounted, pleased. Indeed, there is much to be proud of in his recent past, and the snapshot taken on the Olympic podium alongside two phenomena like Djokovic and Alcaraz can be said to be worth a career. "Now we are here to celebrate: me, the girls, but it’s the victory of the entire delegation and all Italians, and we deserve it."

To reach their happy ending, Paolini and Errani also experienced one last mile of ups and downs. They started poorly against Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, showing more than a few difficulties in the first set (2-6); then, however, it essentially became another match with reversed roles: a one-sided second set (6-1) and then 10-7 in the super tiebreak, which led to a deserved celebration awaited for a long time, for different reasons, by both. In a final with the characteristics of a generational challenge - the two young Russians together are the same age as Errani - experience ultimately prevailed. This is what Paolini made use of during a dream 2024, with exploits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, followed by her entry into the WTA top 5 - but also with that veil of frustration inherited from the three finals lost in Grand Slam tournaments (two in singles and one in doubles). While waiting for the next opportunity, Jasmine has meanwhile given herself a beautiful first revenge. She achieved it together with the doubles specialist and "ultra-veteran" Errani, 37 years old, who certainly had the experience for occasions like this; now, in her personal palmarès, she truly has it all: "Career Golden Slam" completed.

An immense joy, truly, it feels surreal,” Paolini confirmed, with the candor she has accustomed us to in interviews, even after defeats. "A year ago, the goal was to qualify for the Olympics," she continues, "now we are here with gold around our necks: a dream, it’s crazy." On the same wavelength, her partner, visibly moved: "For me, this is the biggest dream coming true, there’s nothing like the Olympics, and with this gold around my neck, I’m too happy."

Olympic Imprimatur

A couple of hours before Errani, Djokovic also completed his personal "Career Golden Slam," closing one of the few remaining circles in his career. The first attempt dates back to Beijing 2008, when he was eliminated by Nadal in the semifinals; sixteen years later, and after turning 37, the Olympic gold finally came, making him the third oldest ever to achieve this (after Arthur Gore and Josiah Ritchie, more than a century ago). The Serb thus joined Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams in the club of those who have won practically in every conceivable context. In Paris, Djokovic enriched a trophy cabinet that already included 24 Slams (including 10 Australian Opens and 7 Wimbledons), 7 ATP Finals, approximately a hundred titles in total in men’s singles, and around three thousand days at the top of the rankings. It can be legitimately stated that throughout this journey he has redefined the concepts of longevity and tennis excellence, and has definitively elevated his legacy to a level prohibitive for anyone else. Perhaps he may not have been as liked as Federer, and he may not have provided the emotions of Nadal, but someone like Novak Djokovic has never existed.

The surreal part of all this is that his long journey does not seem to have reached its destination yet, indeed: in the 7-6, 7-6 he inflicted on Alcaraz, he played at a stellar level, not far from his best version ever, which, by the way, is impossible to place in time. And if his cyborg mentality - during the match he literally didn’t lose an important point - and his physical integrity - can three hours of play at a hellish pace suffice? - are not news, every passing day provides one more reason to be amazed at this legend. It was a great Olympics for tennis, ours and beyond. Never mind that for a dozen years the five rings have meant nothing in terms of ATP and WTA ranking; and never mind, as far as we are concerned, if the journey to Paris started off on the wrong foot, namely with the wave of - excessive - controversy over Sinner's absence. For the IOC and for the audience, it was an unforgettable week on the sacred ground of Roland Garros. And for Italian tennis, even more so: an unprecedented triumph that certifies the sparkling current health of the tennis movement. With or without a diamond tip.