Djokovic overpowers Nadal in Olympic renewal of old rivalry
By Fiona Tomas and Alan Tyers
Novak Djokovic had promised fireworks for this latest – and quite possibly last – instalment of one of tennis’ longest rivalries, but this clash between two kings did not quite live up to its blockbuster billing.
The lop-sided nature of the Serbian’s 6-1, 6-4 victory all but confirmed that this could be the final time we see these two greats of the game face each other across the net.
A whole 18 years since Djokovic and Rafael Nadal met in Paris for the first time, here were a pair of veterans enjoying one final hit-about under the blazing sun in the city where it all started. News of their match-up in the second round of the Paris Olympics had sent the tennis world into meltdown, but what felt like a full-circle moment quickly morphed into a one-sided affair.
For Nadal, it was all but certainly his last singles match at an Olympics and he left the court to raucous applause. In an illustration of his supremacy in this arena, this was just his fifth defeat at Roland Garros in 117 matches, with three of those against Djokovic.
With a combined age of 75, and sharing 46 grand slams between them, one player was a clear level above the other in a match that had more of a ceremonial feel. These two giants have traditionally met at the business end of tournaments. This was a second-round match at an Olympics. While it did not have the magic of a semi-final or final, it did at least bring out the best in Nadal, whose lack of match sharpness was quickly exposed.
“Playing against Novak without creating damage to him, without having the legs of 20 years ago, is almost impossible now,” he lamented afterwards.
Winner Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Rafael Nadal after the men’s singles second round match.Credit: Getty Images
Djokovic had accepted the possibility that this was the so-called ‘last dance’ between the pair. But Nadal was more defensive when that suggestion was put to him a few days ago. “Who says it’s the last dance?” he said, with a quizzical raised eyebrow, sending the tennis rumour mill whirring.
But with heavy strapping to his right thigh – a battle scar which told its own sorry story of his recent injury-hit seasons – Nadal looked off the pace and had no answers to Djokovic’s bludgeoning forehands.
The Serbian flew into a commanding lead and threatened to inflict a blockbuster bagel over his long-time opponent, although it would not come to pass as Nadal claimed the penultimate game of the opening set.
The Spaniard continued chasing shadows around Court Philippe-Chatrier, showing every one of his 38 years, until a vibrant second set when he showed there was life in the old dog yet. These are the environs where he has always felt most at home – he has a statue on the grounds in tribute to his 14 French Open titles – and there was no way he was going to be humbled in another one-sided set.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates a second-round Olympic win against his arch-rival Rafael Nadal.Credit: AP
Harnessing the energy from a partisan crowd, he fleetingly looked as if he could send the match to a third-set decider after winning four consecutive games to level at 4-4 as Djokovic, visibly irked by the crowd, briefly lost his mojo.
After coughing up a double fault at 4-2, Nadal seized upon the much-needed momentum and closed out a crowd-pleasing point in a thrilling rally that saw the pair exchange overhead volleys before Djokovic crushed a return long to the delight of the crowd.
Moments later, they were booing when the Serb broke and closed out victory to continue his march to a first Olympic gold – the one accolade that has thus far eluded him in his illustrious career.
“You could feel the tension coming into the match, but also incredible hype, incredible atmosphere,” said Djokovic, who brought out his trademark ‘violin’ celebration, a tribute to his daughter Tara who is learning to play the instrument. “I was just very proud to be part of this match.”
Nadal will return to Roland Garros on Tuesday in the men’s doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, but swatted away questions over his pending retirement, despite previously saying 2024 will be his last season.
“I have been playing on these courts for 20 years, fighting for the most important things. I’ve achieved much more than I dreamed of,” he said. “If that’s the last match here, I’ll be at peace.”
The Telegraph, London
Sign up for our Sports Newsletter to get Olympic Games updates and general sport news, results and expert analysis straight to your inbox.