I always thought it would be cool to win a bronze medal. Feels way better than the guy who finishes fourth, and less disappointing than getting nosed out for gold at the tape and ending up with silver.
Does seem to be the case the player who loses the SF to the eventual gold medalist usually wins the Bronze medal match. With the exception of Djokovic in both 2020 & 2012 and also Svitolina in 2020.
Musetti lost to eventual champ Novak in the SF this year. Beats Felix for Bronze .
Swiatek lost to eventual champ Zheng in the SF this year, beats Schmiedlova for Bronze.
Nishikori loses to eventual champ Murray in the SF in 2016. Beats Nadal for Bronze though.
Kvitova loses to eventual champ Puig in 2016. Beats Keys for Bronze.
Azarenka loses to Serena in 2012. Beats Kirilenko for Bronze.
Djokovic loses to eventual champ Nadal in the SF in 2008. Beats Blake for Bronze.
Zvonareva loses to eventual champ Dementieva in 2008. Beats Li Na for Bronze.