Djokovic to play Alcaraz in showdown for tennis gold medal at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic defeats Lorenzo Musetti to set up Olympic gold battle with Carlos Alcaraz in blockbuster final.

Novak Djokovic snapped his Olympic semifinal jinx with a 6-4 6-2 defeat of Italy's Lorenzo Musetti on Friday to set up a blockbuster battle for gold against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

The 37-year-old Serb had lost his three previous Olympic singles semi-finals but was in no mood to suffer more heartache as he dominated a high-quality duel at Roland Garros.

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Earlier on Court Philippe Chatrier, the 21-year-old Alcaraz thrashed Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1 6-1.

Djokovic needs only the Olympic gold to complete the full set of achievements in a career that has earned him 24 Grand Slam titles and the relief of reaching the final was clear as he laid on his back, arms outstretched, after match point.

"Three of the (previous) four Olympic Games I played I made semi-finals but failed to overcome that hurdle," Djokovic, whose only medal was a singles bronze in 2008, told reporters.

"Just to secure a higher medal for my country, whatever happens on Sunday, is a huge pride and honour. I'm going for gold, but this is a big deal."