Greatest Shooter of All Time: Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka & Frances Tiafoe in Awe of Steph Curry as USA Clinch Paris Olympics Gold
The Paris Olympics have seen many incredible feats of athleticism, but none more remarkable than Steph Curry’s masterful display on the basketball court. As the USA secured their fifth consecutive men’s basketball Olympic gold, Curry’s shooting prowess left sports fans and fellow athletes in awe. Among those captivated by his brilliance were tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka, and Frances Tiafoe, who couldn’t contain their admiration for the Golden State Warriors superstar.
A Night to Remember in Paris
The final showdown between the USA and France at the Bercy Arena in Paris was a fitting climax to the basketball tournament. The American team, led by a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, faced a determined French squad eager to dethrone the reigning champions. However, it was Steph Curry who stole the spotlight with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
In a nail-biting contest, the USA triumphed with a score of 98-87, thanks in large part to Curry’s sensational shooting. The 36-year-old guard showcased his unparalleled ability to score from beyond the arc, delivering four three-pointers in just over two minutes. The sequence left the French defense scrambling and the crowd roaring in approval.
The Tennis World Takes Notice
As the final buzzer sounded and the USA celebrated their victory, social media lit up with reactions from fans and fellow athletes alike. Frances Tiafoe, Naomi Osaka, and Carlos Alcaraz were among the tennis stars who took to their platforms to praise Curry’s performance.
“Steph Curry just left Earth… The greatest shooter of all time,” Tiafoe tweeted, capturing the sentiments of many who witnessed the game. His words echoed the awe and respect that Curry’s extraordinary display had inspired. Tiafoe, a rising star in tennis, has always been known for his energy and enthusiasm, and his admiration for Curry was evident.
Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his silver medal performance at the Olympics, also shared his thoughts. The young Spaniard, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting talents in tennis, posted a picture of Curry alongside LeBron James and Kevin Durant on his Instagram Stories. The image, a tribute to three of basketball’s greatest players, highlighted the significance of their achievements and the likelihood that this would be their last Olympic appearance. Alcaraz’s gesture underscored the respect that these athletes command across sports.
Naomi Osaka, representing Japan at the Paris Olympics, was equally effusive in her praise. The four-time Grand Slam champion, known for her calm demeanor on the court, expressed her admiration for Curry’s performance. “Watching greatness in action,” she wrote, emphasizing the impact of Curry’s shooting on athletes who understand the pressure and demands of elite competition.
A Legendary Performance
Curry’s journey to Olympic gold was not without its challenges. The semifinal against Serbia had already seen him deliver one of the greatest performances on the Olympic stage. Scoring 36 points, including nine three-pointers, Curry was instrumental in securing the USA’s place in the final. His ability to perform under pressure and rise to the occasion has long been a hallmark of his career, and these Olympics were no different.
“Steph Curry just left Earth……The greatest shooter of all time.”
Naomi Osaka posted on X:
“That man Steph Curry.”
In the final, Curry’s 24 points were crucial in overcoming a resilient French team. His shooting spree in the second half was a reminder of why he is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Curry’s ability to make the difficult look easy, to find the rim even when heavily guarded, and to inspire his teammates with his energy and confidence, set him apart from the rest.
After the game, Curry reflected on his performance with a mixture of pride and humility. “Those last two and a half minutes were special, guys were hyping me up. Like I was saying before, every shot you take you think is going in. That (final one) was a solid flurry of shots. All I saw was the rim; I didn’t see who was in front of me… I impressed myself with that one, for sure,” he said.
The Road Ahead for Tennis Stars
With the Paris Olympics now in the rearview mirror, the focus for many athletes shifts to the upcoming US Open and the events leading up to it. Frances Tiafoe, who chose not to participate in the Olympics, has been preparing for the hard court season. His run at the Citi Open ended in the semifinals, where he lost to Sebastian Korda. However, the Canadian Open proved to be a tougher challenge, with Tiafoe exiting in the first round after a straight-sets defeat to Alejandro Tabilo. As he heads to Cincinnati, Tiafoe will look to regain his form, starting with a challenging match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Naomi Osaka, on the other hand, represented Japan with pride at the Paris Olympics before turning her attention to the US Open series. Her campaign at the Canadian Open began promisingly with a win over Ons Jabeur, but she was unable to maintain that momentum, falling to Elise Mertens in the second round. As she prepares for the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Osaka will face a tough test against 11th seed Anna Blinkova in the first round. The hard-hitting Japanese star will be eager to find her rhythm and build momentum ahead of the US Open.
Carlos Alcaraz, who won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, is another player to watch in the coming weeks. The young Spaniard has been in sensational form, and his performance in Paris only added to his growing reputation. Alcaraz will kick off his US Open series at the Cincinnati Masters, where he is seeded second. With a bye in the first round, he will face the winner between Gael Monfils and Alexei Popyrin in the second round. Alcaraz’s blend of power, speed, and mental toughness makes him a formidable opponent on the hard courts, and he will be one of the favorites in New York.
The Legacy of Olympic Gold
As the dust settles on the Paris Olympics, the achievements of athletes like Steph Curry will be remembered not just for the medals won but for the moments of brilliance that inspired millions. For Curry, this gold medal is a crowning achievement in a career filled with accolades, and it cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.
For tennis stars like Frances Tiafoe, Naomi Osaka, and Carlos Alcaraz, the admiration they expressed for Curry is a testament to the way athletes across sports draw inspiration from one another. Whether it’s the precision of a three-point shot or the power of a forehand winner, greatness recognizes greatness.
As these athletes continue their journeys in their respective sports, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence will remain their driving forces. And for fans around the world, moments like these, where the best in the world come together to celebrate each other’s successes, are what make sports truly special.
