Rafael Nadal lost 6-1, 6-4 to Novak Djokovic in their blockbuster Olympics clash on Monday.
This was the 60th and possibly final meeting between the two titans.
The highly anticipated showdown between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic seemed to be heading towards a one-sided affair until Nadal staged a late comeback to avoid his worst-ever defeat by Djokovic.
“I’m very relieved,” said Djokovic. “Everything was going my way, I was 6-1, 4-0 up but I played a sloppy service game and gave him chances.”
This marked Djokovic’s 31st win in their long-standing rivalry, which began on the same Roland Garros clay courts in 2006.
“You could feel the tension coming into the match, but also incredible hype, incredible atmosphere on the court,” said Djokovic. “I never thought back in 2006 that we’d still be playing each other almost 20 years later.”
Nadal admitted Djokovic was the “clear favorite” ahead of their first clash in more than two years. Nadal, now 38, has been plagued by injuries and has dropped to 161st in the world. His participation in the singles in Paris was uncertain until the last minute.
Despite not having a stellar season, the 37-year-old Djokovic rose to the occasion in his pursuit of an elusive Olympic gold. He quickly established a 5-0 lead before Nadal got on the board, eventually winning the set and surging to a 4-0 lead in the second. Nadal fought back to 4-4, but Djokovic broke again and sealed the match, potentially ending one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history.
“When this tournament is over, I will take the necessary decisions based on my feelings and desire,” Nadal said about his future in tennis.
Djokovic, a bronze medalist in 2008, will face Dominik Koepfer of Germany for a spot in the quarter-finals. Nadal will shift his focus to doubles, teaming up with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, who is set to face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the singles later on Monday.
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