Rafael Nadal bid farewell to Paris. His Olympic goodbye in the singles draw, and possibly his competitive finale, was overshadowed by the man with whom he has had the greatest rivalry in tennis history, Serbian Novak Djokovic. Djokovic, capitalizing on his superior physical condition and recent match play, secured a decisive victory in Nadal’s natural territory, winning 6-1 and 6-4 at Paris 2024.
This marked the 31st victory for Djokovic over Nadal in their head-to-head encounters. However, it was the most painful for Nadal, who has won 29 times against Djokovic. This comprehensive victory helped Djokovic settle some scores on clay, particularly at the Philippe Chatrier, where he had experienced the bitter taste of defeat in the 2022 Roland Garros, the last time they faced each other, which saw Nadal clinch his final Grand Slam title.
The Parisian crowd was supportive throughout the match, trying to rally a legend they had embraced as their own. With fourteen French Open titles, the spectators resisted seeing Nadal have such an end. His farewell seemed natural yet was heart-wrenching at times. Nadal had no chance, no arguments, and no strength left, falling at the hands of his greatest rival.
Nadal showed a glimmer of resistance in the second set, leveling the score at 4-4, but it was an illusion, a dignified effort despite the authority Djokovic displayed with his play, highlighting the stark differences between them on the Paris clay.
This classic encounter, a gift from the Olympics, used to determine titles and finals, now only served to advance to the third round. Djokovic achieved this with authority, bringing him closer to his goal: winning the elusive Olympic gold to complete the ‘golden slam’ alongside Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Nadal, and Serena Williams.
Djokovic aims for his fifth Olympic appearance to be the definitive one after previous disappointments. His only Olympic medal, a bronze in Beijing 2008, contrasts with two fourth-place finishes and an early exit in the first round in other Games.
Djokovic’s 15th Olympic singles victory, matching Steffi Graf’s record since Seoul 1988 and surpassing Federer’s 14, marked Nadal’s tournament exit. Nadal had accepted the challenge of competing in singles despite a challenging 2024 season and right adductor issues. His hopes now lie in the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, a real podium possibility.
Nadal, the second oldest player in the Olympics at 38, behind 39-year-old Stan Wawrinka, needs more match play. He has played only 18 matches in 2024, winning 12 and losing six. In contrast, Djokovic, without any titles this year, has played almost twice as many matches and arrives at Paris 2024 as the Wimbledon finalist.
Even the magic of Paris, where Nadal had won 113 of 117 matches, couldn’t help him against Djokovic, the only player to beat him at Roland Garros twice. Nadal needed much more to face an extra-motivated opponent.
In a flash, Djokovic led 5-0. Nadal avoided a bagel by winning the sixth game, but it didn’t signal improvement. Djokovic’s commanding play, quicker shots, and Nadal’s increased errors defined the match.
Nadal’s effort was evident, but his resources dwindled as Djokovic maintained control. Nadal leveled the second set from 4-0 down to 4-4, but that was his limit. Djokovic regained control, broke Nadal, and closed the match in a legendary arena, with a resigned yet supportive crowd witnessing a significant chapter in their rivalry.
Djokovic will now face the winner of the match between Dominik Koepfer and Matteo Arnaldi. Nadal, a legend and a unique figure in France, accepts his singles exit and now focuses on the doubles with Alcaraz, hoping for a podium finish and the final droplets of his legacy in Paris.
