Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win an Olympic tennis singles gold medal when she held off Croatia’s Donna Vekic for a 6-2 6-3 win.

The 21-year-old sixth seed was given enthusiastic backing by a sizeable Chinese contingent inside Roland Garros’s Court Philippe Chatrier and responded with a composed performance.

Vekic, herself bidding to become Croatia’s first Olympic singles champion, battled hard to try to turn around the match but failed to capitalise on her opportunities.

Zheng was not at her sparkling best but raised her game when required to come through several lengthy games to land the biggest prize of her career.

Novak Djokovic ahead of the Olympics final and earning a shot at a first gold medal.

“It’s a huge relief because I never got to the Olympics finals, even though I played really well I thought at Olympic Games.

“Just to secure a higher medal for the first time for my country, whatever happens on Sunday, it’s huge pride and honour and happiness and that’s why I celebrated the way I did.

“Of course I’m going to go for gold on Sunday, there’s no doubt about it, but this is a big deal.”

Carlos Alcaraz is through to the final at his first Olympics and is looking to complete a golden summer.

The Spaniard won the French Open and Wimbledon this season and could now emulate Rafael Nadal by winning tennis gold.

Alcaraz has not dropped a set on his way to the final and the 21-year-old defeated Djokovic to win the Wimbledon final last month.

“It means a lot to me being in a final at the Olympic Games and giving myself the chance to fight for a gold medal for my country. It is a special moment for my career and my life,” he said.

“I’m really happy to bring a medal to my country, and hopefully, it’s going to be the gold one.”

Novak Djokovic defeat Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-finals to end his Olympics semi-final curse.

The 24-time grand slam champion had lost all three of his preivous Olympics semi-finals.

He lost to Rafael Nadal in 2008, Andy Murray in 2012 and Alexander Zverev in 2021.

Djokovic celebrated by falling onto his back as he goes in search of that elusive gold medal.

Women’s Doubles Bronze Medal Match

Muchova / Noskova (CZE) vs Bucsa / Sorribes Tormo (ESP)

Men’s Singles Gold Medal Match🥇

Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)

Women’s Doubles Gold Medal Match🥇

Errani / Paolini (ITA) vs Andreeva / Shnaider (AIN)

The gold medal match in the men’s singles at the Olympics will be played on Sunday 4 August.

Djokovic and Alcaraz will be the second match of the day on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

It will follow the women’s doubles bronze medal match and could start at around 1pm BST (UK time), although it could be slightly earlier depending on the previous match.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic do battle again in the Olympics final at Roland Garros with history on the line. The gold medal match is an immediate repeat of last month’s Wimbledon final.

Djokovic is bidding to win the Olympics gold for the first time in his record-breaking career, which would complete the set of major titles.

But Alcaraz denied Djokovic a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th grand slam last month, winning in straight sets.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is featuring at his first Olympics while Djokovic competes at his fifth Games – but they both have the chance to win a first gold medal.

It could be Djokovic’s last chance to do so as the Serbian will be 41 by the time of the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.