PARIS − The rivalry that has defined the last decade of men's tennis will add one more chapter, Olympic style.
After coming through a tight three-setter over Hungary's Márton Fucsovics on Sunday, Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic for the 60th time in their careers. It is expected to start Monday at around 7:30 a.m. ET.
It's only a second-round match at the Paris Olympics . But the implications will reverberate around the globe.
"It's been always super special to play against Novak, no doubt about that," Nadal said.
Nadal, 38, is clearly nearing the end of his career. For two full years, he has struggled just to get on the court − and, yes, pointed to the Olympics here at Roland Garros, where he won the French Open 14 times, as part of his motivation to keep going. Even here, he has been battling some kind of leg injury, showing up with a heavy strapping on his right thigh. It was uncertain he'd even play singles until after his warm-up Sunday morning.
"I'm a bit tired of course, long match, but at the same time happy, no?" Nadal said. "Was a good test and a good thing is, I was able to pay at a good level of tennis for awhile. That always give hope, and then the more negative stuff is I was not able to hold that great level, no? So let’s see. Tomorrow another story, another kind of opponent, of course, different situations in our careers. His moment is coming from being in the final of a Grand Slam (at Wimbledon). I come without being very competitive the last three years. Let’s see. It’s in a special place and just try to give my best and enjoy as much as possible."
Djokovic, too, has had an injury-plagued season − but has also had his sights set on Olympic gold for many years. It's the one big prize in tennis that has eluded the 24-time Grand Slam champion. And at 37 years old, it may well be his last chance to do it for Serbia.
Rafael Nadal returns against Marton Fucsovics in the first round of men’s tennis singles during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports
Nadal, who won the gold medal in 2008, is clearly the underdog here. His 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Fucsovics was more evidence that he's far from the force of nature that has won 22 Grand Slam titles, struggling with dips in energy, a shaky serve and groundstrokes that don't consistently dictate play the way they once did.
"I started the match playing very well first set, then I lost the rhythm, the concentration a little bit, and I let him be more comfortable on court, no?" Nadal said. "I think he played from better positions and I was more defensive, more predictable, and then the match was very complicated."
But he had enough to get through this first-round test. And on the court where he's experienced his greatest success, maybe he'll have enough in the tank for one more special performance.
"Normally we have been playing for finals or semifinal," said Nadal, who has won 29 of their meetings to Djokovic's 30. "This is second round. Of course it’s an Olympics so every match is super special, but almost every single match against Novak I arrive with a different situation than I am today. So that makes the match more difficult for me and more unpredictable, but I always have hope, I always believe and I gonna give my best."
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