The clash of tennis legends turned in favor of Novak Djokovic on Monday, July 29. In the second round of the singles tournament at the 2024 Olympics, the Serbian got the better of Rafael Nadal in two sets (6-1, 6-4). On this Parisian clay court where he shone so much, the diminished Spaniard was unable to make the “Djoker” tremble.
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Novak Djokovic emerged victorious from a one-sided 60th clash against Rafael Nadal. The Serb won with authority (6-1, 6-4), bringing the Spaniard a little closer to the end of his career. In search of Olympic gold, the only trophy missing from his immense list of achievements, Djokovic, 37, will face the winner of the match between the German Dominik Koepfer and the Italian Matteo Arnaldi (world number 40) in the 3rd round.
The miracle did not happen. Nadal nevertheless tried to defy logic, after a first set crossed like a junior against the Serb and lost 6-1. Coming back to level with his opponent at 4-4 in the 2nd set after being led 4-1, erasing three break points in the process, the “Bull of Manacor” made the impossible seem possible for a few moments. A crazy impression then crossed the Philippe-Chatrier court.
But then reality came knocking at the door: at 38, Rafael Nadal no longer has the weapons to challenge players of the calibre of Novak Djokovic, the solid world number 2. We knew this duel would be asymmetrical and it was indeed so for more than a set and a half. The two players did not actually arrive in the same state on Monday.
The clay court master, who has been suffering from a sore right thigh for several days, is no longer the monster he once was. Nadal has been struggling with his share of physical problems for two years, gradually distancing him from the circuit. Djokovic, for his part, was still playing in the Wimbledon final a few days ago.
Last episode ?
Despite the support of the public and the obvious excitement surrounding this match, Rafael Nadal lost in his backyard, where he won fourteen Grand Slam titles. In 2008, the year of Nadal’s victory at the Beijing Olympics, the Spaniard had eliminated Djokovic in the semi-final. The Serb therefore took his revenge 16 years later. This defeat seems to mark the end of an era for the Majorcan. An era with which his rival of the day is undeniably associated.
Eighteen years ago, the two faced each other for the first time, at Roland Garros, the start of a series that would mark the history of the sport. Between that day in June 2006 and Monday, the two have never really left each other, winning 46 Grand Slams between them, and facing each other nine times in Major finals. The Serb has won 24 Grand Slams, placing him above his great rivals Federer and Nadal. The Spaniard has been crowned emperor of clay.
There was obviously a whiff of mothballs hanging over this encounter which brings Nadal closer to the long-awaited end of his career. a priori before that of “Djoko”. The Spaniard is however still in the running for these Olympic Games in doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, a five-star pair who, after a first victory in their entry into the competition, can continue to dream.
About his future, Rafael Nadal said: ” When this tournament is over, I will make the necessary decisions, relying above all on my desires and my feelings. »