Written by Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 29, 2024
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
Novak Djokovic again Rafael Nadal combined to create great history and competitive excitement.
Top seeds Djokovic swept 10 of the first 11 games and withstood Nadal's previous offense 6-1, 6-4 in their record 60th match at the Olympics on Roland Garros' red clay today.
More: Nadalcaraz Win Olympic Opener
The 60th episode of the most intense rivalry in ATP history ended with Djokovic scoring his 31st win over Nadal in almost 18 years when they met for the first time.
After a post-match hug, the Grand Slam king shared his desire for the King of Clay.
Djokovic hopes he and Nadal will face each other again at a Grand Slam, but admitted this match may have brought the curtain down on their biggest rivalry.
“It's possible but we don't know,” said Djokovic when asked if this was the last match between these superstars. “It depends on a lot of things, especially if we continue and participate in the same tournaments. I think we both want to play Grand Slams and big tournaments. I don't know, we might be more selective. ,that's what I'll do from my side.”
When 24-year-old Grand Slam champion Djokovic and 22-time major title holder Nadal step out, the entire sports world watches.
The electric energy that returns throughout Court Philippe Chatrier is something Djokovic hopes to feel again against his rival Nadal.
“I hope, because of our rivalry and the game in general, that we will play again once or more in different places, in different places in the world,” said Djokovic to the press in Paris. “Because I feel it can only benefit our game. I don't know how he feels in his body, what his plans are, but let's hope we can still compete.”
Breakups can be painful.
The Paris Olympics mark Andy Murray's final professional appearance and could be Nadal's call, although the 38-year-old Spaniard is on the shortlist for the US Open and Laver Cup. If both Murray and Nadal call it quits after Paris, that will leave Djokovic alone in the Big 4.
While today's victory may mark the end of an era, Djokovic says the Big 4 can look back with joy and pride on their individual and collective achievements.
“It's sad but at the same time there are many amazing moments in matches, milestones that we can celebrate when it comes to each of us—and us as a team—competitors,” said Djokovic at the beginning of this season. “And one of the biggest rivalries if not the biggest rivalry that sports has ever seen between the three of us, the four of us.”
Still, when the curtain closes on the careers of all four Big 4 champions, Djokovic says they will share a common bond for life: Their shared commitment to growing the sport.
“There are new kids on the block so Alcaraz, Sinner, Rune are the leaders of the next generation,” said Djokovic. “Obviously, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Zverev, these guys are still Top 5, Top 10 in the world. These guys are amazing.
“I think that tennis is in good hands. I hope that the contributions we have made in the last 20 years can work with the aim of increasing the popularity of tennis and growing the game. The important thing is that we want that.
“We all love this game. We all want to see this game grow.”
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