In Paris, Novak Djokovic emerged victorious, while Rafael Nadal faced defeat, culminating in a heartfelt embrace at the net after their match in the Paris Olympics. This marked the 60th encounter—and potentially the final chapter—of their historic and captivating rivalry, characterized by mutual respect, if not an intimate friendship.
Djokovic’s 6-1, 6-4 win came during the second round of the Summer Games, a departure from their nine previous Grand Slam finals. The match lacked the usual excitement, save for a 20-minute stretch in the second set where Nadal rallied, briefly turning the tide after losing 10 of the first 11 games.
Post-match, both Nadal, aged 38, and Djokovic, aged 37, were not ready to rule out future matches, despite the odds. Nadal, seemingly on the brink of retirement after two seasons marred by injuries, a hip surgery over a year ago, and hints of 2024 being his swan song, left the possibility open.
Djokovic’s statements- “I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be, or not going to be, my last match. I come here, I try my best, I play. And when I decide to stop playing, or when I decide to keep going, I will let you know. I don’t know,” Nadal said. “If I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going or physically I am not … ready to keep going, I will stop, and I will let you know.”
For the initial 1½ hours against Djokovic, it was evident that Nadal was not at his best, far from the agile and adept player who secured a record 14 French Open titles on the same red clay of Roland Garros, now the venue for the Summer Games.
After exiting Court Philippe Chartier, where fans had fervently chanted “Ra-fa! Ra-fa!” in support, he conceded this point.
“Competing against Novak without being able to inflict any damage, and without the youthful legs I had 20 years ago, is nearly impossible,” Nadal admitted, referencing the tape on his right thigh that has been a constant during his matches in Paris.
Djokovic also rejected the notion of a “brotherhood” with Nadal, while expressing his respect and admiration for his rival’s career. “It’s difficult to be close with your greatest rivals; you may not want to share insights into your life or feelings as it could make you vulnerable,” Djokovic commented. He speculated that this might be why they haven’t formed a close bond and added, “At such a level, it’s challenging to be very close with anyone. However, once our careers are over, there’s a long life ahead for both of us.
Djokovic holds 24 Grand Slam titles and Nadal 22; the highest men’s totals in over a century of the sport. Both have achieved the No. 1 ranking, and they have faced each other more than any other pair in the professional era. They form two-thirds of the ‘big three’ in men’s tennis, alongside Roger Federer, who retired with 20 Slam titles. This trio has seen unparalleled success, sparking ongoing debates about who is the greatest of all time (GOAT).
However, Nadal, who has won gold in singles and doubles at previous Olympics, and Djokovic, for whom winning Olympic gold remains a high priority, are used to clashing in the final stages of tournaments. This time, their encounter came earlier because, while Djokovic is the top seed at the Olympics, Nadal’s ranking has fallen outside the top 150 due to a lack of recent matches.
France vs USA 3-0: Paris Olympics 2024
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