After defeating his former opponent in the second round of the Olympics on Monday, Novak Djokovic (37), expressed his optimism that he will have more opportunities to play Rafael Nadal (38). In the 60th meeting between the two, the 24-time Grand Slam champion took the lead after winning 10 of the opening 11 games and seemed set to hand Nadal the most crushing loss ever. However, he ultimately prevailed 6-1, 6-4. Following the defeat, Rafael Nadal declared he would make a decision regarding his career in tennis following the Olympics, when he will also compete in doubles with Carlos Alcaraz. However, Djokovic told reporters he would like to maintain the rivalry with Nadal, having faced him for the first time at the 2006 French Open when they were still teenagers.
“In the annals of tennis history, no other rivalry has featured 60 meetings between the two men. Thus, in my opinion, that alone makes it incredibly distinctive and unique,” Djokovic remarked. “I just hope that we get to play each other once or maybe a few times, on different surfaces, in different parts of the world, for the sake of our rivalry and the sport in general. I feel like it can only be beneficial to the sport.” “I don’t know how he feels in his body or what his plans are, but let’s hope we can play some more.” It would take time, according to Djokovic, to determine whether or not Monday’s match will be his final encounter with Nadal. “We are unaware of that. It truly relies on a wide range of variables,” he remarked. “Well, it depends on whether or not we both stick with it and whether or not we play in the same events. We both seem to want to compete in the biggest tournaments, including Grand Slams. I’m not sure. Most likely, we’ll be extremely picky.”

Absence of “brotherhood”

Although Djokovic downplayed the idea of a “brotherhood” with Nadal, he acknowledged his great regard and adoration for the Spaniard. Their careers will always be intimately interwoven. “It’s tough to be close, honestly, greatest rivals, and you don’t want to maybe give insights to your life or the way you feel and stuff because that can maybe expose you and stuff,” Djokovic said. “I suppose that’s one of the possible reasons why we didn’t click so well. I don’t think you can truly connect that well with someone at that level, but who knows when our careers will finish?
“It’s a long life, hopefully for both of us, and we’re both family people, and hopefully we can address the different sides of our relationship and reflect on things that we went through together, that we lived together, the special moments in a different way.” With this win, Djokovic exacted revenge for losing to Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Olympic semifinals, where the Serbian had to settle for bronze in his first-ever competition. “It was an incredible match; just the anticipation and the hype around this match was huge,” Djokovic remarked. “I’d probably say there’s even more tension playing him at the Olympic Games, just because there is that element of representing your country and being part of the Olympic Games, which is so rare—it only happens every four years.”

A reflection of the strain and abrasion the two have had to deal with lately

To the relief of a crowded, hot arena, Djokovic broke through for a 4-0 lead and held it for 5-0 until Nadal broke the run. Nadal’s ballooning forehand wide of the target gave Djokovic the one-sided opener. For Nadal, who was only able to muster four games off Djokovic’s serve in the opening set, the numbers were depressing. In the second set, Djokovic again carved away a double break to lead 4-0. There was no letup.
Unexpectedly, Djokovic gave Nadal a lifeline when he served up a double fault to be broken for the first time in an attempt to win his first Olympic gold medal. The top seed abruptly lost steam, but Nadal recovered to win the second break and rally from 0-4 to 4-4. In response, Djokovic stunned Nadal with a drop shot, allowing the Serb to break for a 5-4 lead on his fourth break opportunity and seal the win with an ace.