Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Dominik Koepfer at the Paris 2024 Olympics. © Twitter (@RottenKnee23)
Novak Djokovic continued his quest for Olympic gold with a commanding performance, reaching the singles quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Serbian star defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday, showcasing his dominance with a display that belied the initial challenges.
After a high-stakes victory against claycourt rival Rafa Nadal in the previous round, Djokovic’s match against the 30-year-old Koepfer was marked by a more subdued atmosphere, thanks to a steamy Parisian afternoon. Djokovic’s clinical efficiency was on full display as he dispatched Koepfer in straight sets.
Djokovic’s performance was highlighted by an early break of serve achieved with a brilliant drop shot. Although Koepfer managed to break back, the German’s struggle intensified when a critical misstep at 5-6 allowed Djokovic to take the first set. The second set saw Koepfer needing medical attention, further diminishing his resistance as Djokovic sailed to his 16th career singles victory at the Olympics, the most by any player since tennis’s return to the Games in 1988.
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who advanced after defeating Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. Meanwhile, second seed Carlos Alcaraz is set to play Roman Safiullin later in the day, with a doubles quarterfinal also on the horizon for him and Nadal.
Meanwhile, American Tommy Paul defeated Frenchman Corentin Moutet 7-6(5), 6-3 to destroy the country’s dreams of winning an Olympic tennis medal. This win secured Paul’s first Olympic quarterfinal berth and marked a significant achievement after his first-round exit at Tokyo 2020. Moutet, motivated by the prospect of securing a medal for France, fell short despite his spirited effort.
