Djokovic beats rival Nadal at the Paris Olympics
2024.07.31
The winner, Rafael Nadal, and the loser, Novak Djokovic, embraced at the net following their match at the Paris Olympics. This marked the 60th, and likely final, chapter in the incredible and frequently captivating rivalry between these two legendary tennis players, who are at least somewhat friendly.
Except for a 20-minute break in the second set when Rafael Nadal’s last-gasp push made things briefly competitive after he lost 10 of the first 11 games, Djokovic’s 6-1, 6-4 victory came only in the second round of the Summer Games rather than a Grand Slam final, like nine previous head-to-head encounters.
Even if it appears likely, neither 38-year-old Rafael Nadal nor 37-year-old Novak Djokovic was prepared to acknowledge they will never play one another again afterward. Nadal has had two seasons marred by injuries, need hip surgery a little over a year ago, and stated in 2023 that 2024 would be his last season. It appears that he may be nearing retirement.
He’s still competing in the Olympics, though, as he paired with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles for Spain. On Monday, he expressed his fatigue with the constant questions regarding his future.
@charith rajapaksha
