Djokovic defeats Nadal 6-1, 6-4 at Paris Olympic 2024, advancing in his quest for a first gold medal. © Twitter (@a_man_common)
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic’s longtime nemesis, was defeated decisively 6-1, 6-4 on Monday in a highly anticipated match at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating Djokovic’s unwavering pursuit of a maiden gold medal. This latest chapter in their historic rivalry occurred on the iconic Philippe-Chatrier court, where a vibrant crowd witnessed Djokovic improve his record to 31-29 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
In their most recent encounter in 2022, Djokovic and Nadal faced off in front of a packed and energetic stadium. The last time these two legends met on this court, Nadal emerged victorious in a four-set quarter-final at Roland Garros. However, this time, Djokovic was determined to turn the tide.
Back in 2006, I don’t think we would have thought we would be playing against each other on the same court at the Olympics, Djokovic remarked. So I think we will appreciate this match very much. Our rivalry and the sport have garnered much attention and interest from sports fans worldwide. Unfortunately, he wasn’t at his best, but I did everything possible to make him uncomfortable.
If this match marks Nadal’s final appearance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 14-time Roland Garros champion can find solace in his resilient performance during the second set. Despite his 38 years and a storied 112-4 record at the clay-court major, Nadal showcased his tenacity, spurred on by a supportive team and an abundance of Spanish flags waving throughout the stadium.
The crowd’s engagement grew as Nadal’s performance improved, hinting that this could be the last showdown in their 18-year rivalry, which began on this court in 2006.
Djokovic entered the match looking fresh and near his peak, while Nadal’s intensity fluctuated. The Serbian star knew Nadal’s threat and expressed satisfaction with his straight-sets victory.
At 6-1, 4-0, I got slightly too comfortable, Djokovic admitted. At 4-1, I played a sloppy service game, and you can’t give any chances to Rafael Nadal because he is going to use them and come back, especially on this court. The crowd got involved, but it was a crucial game at 4-4, trying to break his serve and then serve against the wind with new balls.
It was a very close encounter, but I am very pleased with how I played.
Djokovic, currently ranked No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings, dominated the first hour of the match, quickly establishing a 6-1, 4-0 lead. However, Nadal, who has only lost four times on Court Philippe-Chatrier before this match, mounted a comeback. His heavy topspin forehand began to find its mark, and he leveled the second set at 4-4 with a spectacular smash and a forehand winner that ignited the crowd.
Undeterred, Djokovic broke back with a deft drop shot to lead 5-4 and then held his serve to clinch the match. This victory improved his record against Nadal and served as revenge for Nadal’s win en route to the gold medal in Beijing 2008.
With this win, Djokovic tied Steffi Graf’s record for the most Olympic singles match wins (15) since Seoul 1988. In the third round, he will face either Germany’s Dominik Koepfer or Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, continuing his quest for an elusive Olympic gold.
Nadal, who lost in the first round at Roland Garros in May to Alexander Zverev and missed the grass-court season, made a promising return at the ATP 250 event in Bastad earlier this month, reaching the final. Despite his spirited effort against Djokovic, he could not sustain his level, finishing the match with 21 winners and 17 unforced errors.
