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Last Updated On: Apr 19, 2025 05:59 PM , Published On: Jul 31, 2024 07:42 AM
Tennis is the most played sport in the Olympics, for sure. Its players are doing their best to win the gold medal. On Monday, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played their second round-up match in Paris. They were playing against each other for the 60th time, and that could be their last match together.
Most of the people in the stadium were fans of Novak Djokovic, and they continuously cheered for him. Even though the match was held at Roland Garros' Centre Court, Nadal's preferred clay surface and his second home.
After competing in the Olympics in Paris, Rafael Nadal, the loser, and Novak Djokovic, the winner, hugged at the net. This is a record-breaking and frequently fascinating competition between two of the greatest tennis players of all time, who are at least a little friendly.
Djokovic defeats Nadal
At the Paris Olympics, top-seeded Novak Djokovic French Open star overcame Rafael Nadal 14-time in an exciting second-round battle. With a 6-1, 6-4 achievement, Djokovic ended their 60th and possibly final meeting.
Djokovic's 6-1, 6-4 victory came in just the second round of the Games, rather than a Grand Slam final like nine past head-to-head matches. It was also not the most exciting match, save for a 20-minute break in the second set when Nadal's closing spike brought things back to life after he lost 10 of the first 11 games.
Even if it appears likely, neither 38-year-old Rafael Nadal nor 37-year-old Novak Djokovic was prepared to admit they would never play one another again afterwards. Nadal has had two seasons disrupted by injuries, needed hip surgery a little over a year ago, and stated in 2023 that 2024 would be his last season. He may be considering retirement.
Djokovic and Rafael Rivalries
The most active rivalry in men's tennis during the Open Era is that between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In their sixty meetings, Djokovic won 31–29 times in total. On hard courts, Djokovic leads 20–7, Nadal leads 20–9, and the scores are tied 2–2 on grass.
Djokovic is the only player who has defeated Nadal four times. He has defeated him in the French Open France two times and in the clay-court Masters tournament three times. He holds the record for most victories over Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic Status in Tennis
Although Djokovic is only a year younger than Nadal, the physical difference appears to be much greater. His lean physique and vegan diet have many benefits.
While many believe Djokovic to be the most remarkable man of all time, Novak never won an Olympic gold medal, even though Nadal and Federer are close behind him. It seems doubtful that he will be competing, much less at a high level, in four years at the next Olympics, so he's desperate to win this time.
Before their first match in over two years, Rafael Nadal acknowledged that Djokovic was the "clear favourite," the Spaniard was an aged replica of the man who ruled Roland Garros for the better part of two decades.
How did Djokovic win?
Djokovic had protective wrapping over his right knee, while Nadal had a lot of strapping on his right leg, showing signs of the strain the two had been through in recent months. However, Djokovic played with unrestricted freedom, making Nadal run around Court Philippe Chatrier, the location of 14 of the Spaniard's 22 Grand Slam victories.
To relieve a crowded, heat crowd, the 37-year-old Serb broke through for a 4-0 lead, which he maintained for 5-0 before Nadal ended the rot. 2008 Olympic gold champion Rafael Nadal's forehand ballooned wide of the mark, giving Djokovic the one-sided opening point.
Playing in just his eighth tournament of a season troubled by injuries, Nadal had little comfort as Djokovic again pulled out a double break for the lead of 4-0 in the final set.
Djokovic Gave Nadal a Chance
Unexpectedly, Djokovic gave Nadal another chance when he made an extra point to be broken for the first time. Djokovic aims to add an Olympic gold medal to his 24 Grand Slam victories. The top seed suddenly ran out of steam, and Nadal had to dig deep to come back from 0–4 to 4–4.
In response, Djokovic stunned Nadal with a drop shot, allowing the Serb to score for a 5-4 lead on his fourth break opportunity and seal the win with an ace. Despite losing on Monday, Nadal is still aiming for a gold medal in the men's doubles division, where he is partnered with Carlos Alcaraz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who's had the most success versus Djokovic?
Andy Roddick was successful five times in his nine matches with the Serbian.
Q. Is Djokovic the Olympic gold medal winner?
Even though Novak Djokovic is among the greatest tennis player news in history, he has never won an Olympic gold medal in his professional career.
Q. Is Djokovic playing Roland Garros 2024?
No, Djokovic will not be competing at Roland-Garros 2024.
Q. Who is better, Djokovic or Rafael Nadal?
The two greatest male totals in the sport's more than century-long history are Djokovic's 24 Grand Slam victories and Rafael Nadal's 22. No two men have faced each other more frequently in the professional era than these two, who are both ranked No. 1.