“His means are no longer the same,” Justine Henin breaks down Rafael Nadal’s defeat to Novak Djokovic at 2024 Paris Olympics

Nadal, who locked horns with the Serb for the 60th time in his career, was completely outclassed in the match.

“His means are no longer the same,” Justine Henin breaks down Rafael Nadal’s defeat to Novak Djokovic at 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal, Justine Henin, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago, X)

Former tennis player Justine Henin explained why Novak Djokovic completely dominated Rafael Nadal when they locked horns in the second round of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Monday (July 29). Inside the packed Court Philippe-Chatrier, Djokovic recorded his third win over Nadal at Roland Garros with a 6-1, 6-4 scoreline.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who locked horns with the Serb for the 60th time in his career, was completely outclassed in the first set. In the second set, he tried to force a comeback but Djokovic prevailed in the end and secured a place in the third round.

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Henin, a former World No. 1 and a winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, said that Nadal, despite his recent troubles, was disappointed with the result. The Spaniard also later admitted that he was far from good during the match and called his level ‘unacceptable’.

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Of course he will leave this Philippe-Chatrier court disappointed because even if he is completely lucid and aware that his means are no longer the same and that he must deal with that, he remains a competitor, a great champion. The duel unfortunately ended a little short but the winner is logical.
Justine Henin told France TV

Nadal however, has not yet crashed out of the Olympics, for he has joined youngster Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles events. They have already kickstarted their campaign and are set to lock horns with Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof on Tuesday (July 30) in the second round.

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Novak Djokovic opts out of Canadian Open

Novak Djokovic has made a major decision in his schedule. He won’t be participating in the Canadian Open this year.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

The tennis matches at the Olympics end on August 4 and the main draw matches at the Canadian Open begin on August 6. The tight schedule has seen Djokovic take the decision to skip the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal.

While we’re disappointed that Novak will be unable to take part in this year’s tournament, we understand his decision and wish him the best at the Olympics and the remainder of his season.
Montreal tournament director Valerie Tetreault said in a statement

Though the Olympics might have been the reason behind his decision, it’s also important to note that he hasn’t featured in the event since 2018. He won four titles in the tournament, the first in 2007, followed by his wins in 2011, 2012, and 2016.

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