Nadal sets up Olympics date with Djokovic
Rafael Nadal has survived a second set wobble to set up a blockbuster meeting with Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics.
Nadal beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round on Monday (AEST) to set up a blockbuster showdown against his long-time rival at Roland Garros.
It will be their 60th meeting – a record – and their first since a French Open quarter-final in 2022, won by the Spaniard.
“It’s been always super special to play against Novak, no? No doubt about that,” Nadal said.
“The difference is normally we have been playing for finals or for semifinals. This,” the 38-year-old said with a chuckle, “is a second round.”
Djokovic, 37, leads the head-to-head series 30-29, and his 24 Grand Slam titles make him the only man in tennis history with more than Nadal’s 22.
Their 60th meeting may be their last.
Djokovic had knee surgery in June after tearing his meniscus during the French Open in early June but recovered quickly — and well — enough to reach the Wimbledon final two weeks ago before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal, meanwhile, has dealt with a series of injuries the past two seasons, including hip surgery in 2023, and his right thigh was taped Sunday.
He needed a finger on his right hand treated by a trainer in the third set against Fucsovics.
“Every single match that I played against Novak — almost every single match — I arrived with a different situation (than) I am (in) today. So that makes the match more difficult for me,” he said.
“But I always have hope, I always believe, and I’m going to give my best.”
Nadal is partnering Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, and had hinted he may pull out of singles to focus on his best chance of a medla, alongside the world No.3.
He a last-minute decision to remain in the singles bracket, being played at the same venue as his record 14 French Opens.
“Of course I know that maybe it’s the last time that I play here. Maybe not,” Nadal said with a shrug. “I can’t confirm that because I don’t know.”
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