Olympic spectators are treated to a thrilling, if brief, encounter between Djokovic and Nadal in Paris.
Not everyone attends an Olympic second-round tennis match. However, when Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are playing each other.
Attendees arrived early to crowd the house for the most recent, and possibly final, installment of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
On Monday, Nadal, 38, and Djokovic, 37, the No. 2 and No. 1 all-time grand slam winners in men's singles, respectively, demonstrated why their clashes have always been must-see occasions.
Not everyone watches a tennis match during the Olympic second round. On the other hand, during Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's match.
Arriving early, fans packed the house for what could be the last meeting of one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. This was the most recent installment.
The No. 2 and No. 1 all-time grand slam winners in men's singles, Rafael Nadal, 38, and Novak Djokovic, 37, respectively, showed on Monday why their matchups have always been must-see events.
While Djokovic dominated play in the first games, Nadal—who was wearing a sign with Roland Garros' well-known motto, "Victory belongs to the most tenacious"—briefly gained the upper hand in the second set and placed Djokovic in danger of losing both his serve and his four-game advantage.
And seconds later, the crowd went wild as Nadal not only returned an overhead slam from Djokovic, but also turned it into a brilliant cross-court winner. They might at least hope for a third set, since the match was tied at four games apiece, to witness these two tennis icons continue their display of incredible skill.
Playing with his right leg extensively wrapped, Nadal occasionally looked like he was fighting against his body, displaying displeasure after misfiring on strokes that used to be the equivalent of layups for him (if, admittedly, for no one else).
However, the Spaniard, who happens to be the unique world No. 161 and wears shoes with his first name on them, also managed to come back and win a number of crucial, dramatic moments. And where better than Roland-Garros, where he has won a record 14 French Open titles, to witness even a temporary comeback for Rafael Nadal?
Djokovic, on the other hand, overcame Nadal's poor shot selection to regain consistency and produce several winners of his own, including aces. Combining his rifle-like forehand with a feather-soft backhand drop shot that meekly expired after clearing the net helped him find winners. The odd notion that Nadal would be able to overcome the Serbian was dashed when Djokovic quickly won the next two games.
Following an intense one hour and forty-three-minute battle, Nadal grinned sarcastically as he and Djokovic walked up to the net for a quick embrace and conversation. They then applauded the stands in turn.
Although the audience could have been forgiven for expecting more, they expressed their appreciation for what they did get by giving the two stars who lit up Roland-Garros for what was probably their final performance a standing ovation.
As he looks to win an Olympic gold medal in singles tennis—one of the few achievements that has escaped him—Djokovic moves on to the third round.
Nadal's attention will shift to the men's doubles competition, where he will be partnered with rising sensation Carlos Alcaraz, age 21.
