‘Gutsy’ Novak Djokovic admits to successfully making Rafael Nadal ‘uncomfortable’ on the court he has had most success at

Djokovic will face either Dominik Koepfer or Matteo Arnaldi in the third round.

‘Gutsy’ Novak Djokovic admits to successfully making Rafael Nadal ‘uncomfortable’ on the court he has had most success at

Novak Djokovic (L) and Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

Novak Djokovic outclassed Rafael Nadal in their 60th career meeting in the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serbian admitted that he made the Spaniard uncomfortable during the match as his quest for an elusive gold medal continues.

The 37-year-old was on a different level against Nadal and was quick to round up the first set without much effort. In the second set, he continued in the same fashion and led 4-0. However, with the crowd’s support, Nadal fought back to make it 4-4. Djokovic then stepped on the gas to break and make it 5-4 and then served out the victory.

The Serbian won 6-1, 6-4 to book a place in the third round. After the match, Djokovic stated that he made Nadal uncomfortable as best as he could.

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In 2006 we couldn’t have imagined that we would be playing almost 20 years later on the same court at the Olympic Games. I think we will be able to appreciate this match for our rivalry, and also for the sport itself. There was a lot of attention from all sports on our match today. It’s a good thing for everyone. It’s unfortunate for him that he wasn’t at his best, but I did everything I could to make him feel uncomfortable on the court.

Novak Djokovic said during the on-court interview

Despite the loss, Nadal will be proud of winning two gold medals, in singles and doubles, over the years. The Paris Olympics is the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s appearance at the last Summer Games.

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Rafael Nadal banking on doubles with Carlos Alcaraz for a medal at the Paris Olympics

Following Rafael Nadal’s singles defeat, he will be hoping to win a doubles medal with his partner Carlos Alcaraz. The pair, dubbed Nadalcaraz, beat sixth-seeded Argentines Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molten 7-6, 6-4 in their opening match on Saturday (July 27).

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal Paris Olympics
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal in action at the Paris Olympics (via X)

They will play Dutch pair Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in the second round of the doubles match on July 30. The duo are favorites to win gold in the doubles after their first-round display.

Nadal will also be hoping that Alcaraz doesn’t run out of energy competing for the singles gold. The Spaniard will play Tallon Griekspoor in the singles second-round.

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