PARIS: Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win in their 60th career meeting at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday. This encounter marked what could be the final chapter in their storied rivalry, which began on the clay courts of Roland Garros in 2006.
In a match that showcased Djokovic’s dominance, the Serbian star demonstrated his exceptional form, adding another win to his record against Nadal. The victory, Djokovic’s 31st in their head-to-head series, highlighted the gap between the two legends of tennis in their latest clash.
Djokovic, who is in pursuit of his first Olympic gold medal to complement his 24 Grand Slam titles, played with a mix of aggression and precision. Despite battling a knee injury, evidenced by the protective strapping around his right knee, Djokovic navigated the match with remarkable fluidity and confidence.
Nadal, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season and was seen with a heavily strapped right thigh, was unable to mount a sustained challenge. Djokovic quickly took control of the match, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first set after breaking Nadal twice. Nadal’s brief resistance came too late as Djokovic wrapped up the opening set 6-1, with Nadal managing only four points off the Djokovic serve.
The second set mirrored the first in terms of Djokovic’s early dominance. The Serbian star again broke Nadal’s serve twice to go 4-0 up. However, Nadal showed resilience and clawed his way back into contention, leveling the set at 4-4 after capitalizing on a rare lapse from Djokovic, including a double fault from the top seed.
Despite Nadal’s spirited comeback, Djokovic reasserted his control with a decisive drop shot that left Nadal scrambling, breaking once more for a 5-4 lead. Djokovic then served out the match with an ace, sealing the win with a final score of 6-4 in the second set.
“I’m very relieved,” Djokovic said after the match. “Everything was going my way, I was 6-1, 4-0 up but I played a sloppy service game and gave him chances. I never thought back in 2006 that we’d still be playing each other almost 20 years later.”
Nadal, despite the defeat, remains optimistic about his prospects at the Olympics. He will continue his quest for gold in the men’s doubles event, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz.
