If Rafael Nadal beats Marton Fucsovics within the first spherical of the Olympic Video games singles occasion, we’ll see the milestone sixtieth encounter between him and Novak Djokovic! Novak and Rafa have cast the best rivalry within the Open period, assembly 59 occasions and pushing one another to the boundaries in lots of memorable encounters. Djokovic misplaced one recreation in opposition to Matthew Ebden in his opening match at Roland Garros, sealing the deal in 53 minutes and making a successful begin. Requested a few potential Rafael Nadal conflict, Novak admitted he’s prepared for it, doing his a part of the job and awaiting Rafa's response. Djokovic and Nadal haven’t performed since their memorable 2022 Roland Garros duel, they usually can meet on Court docket Philippe-Chatrier once more. Rafa earned his twenty ninth victory over Novak in Paris two years in the past, prevailing 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 within the Roland Garros quarter-final after 4 hours and 12 minutes.
Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2022© Clive Brunskill / Workers – Getty Photographs Sport
Novak Djokovic is prepared for a potential Rafael Nadal duel on the Paris Olympics.
Regardless of two one-sided units, they pushed one another to the boundaries, with Novak constructing an enormous benefit within the fourth set earlier than squandering it, shedding the title and sending his nice rival by means of. The situations have been chilly and gradual, and two tennis giants gave their greatest to supply one other traditional. The Spaniard dropped serve 4 occasions and turned 43% of the return factors into seven breaks from 17 probabilities, controlling the tempo and avoiding final 12 months's defeat. Wanting to assault and preserve the factors on his racquet, Rafa fired 57 winners and 43 unforced errors, overpowering Novak within the quickest exchanges as much as 4 strokes. The Spaniard took cost proper from the beginning, breaking the Serb in video games one and 5 and wrapping up the opener 6-2 in 50 minutes. The second set went for nearly an hour and a half, standing as one in all their most prolonged set.
Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros 2022© Ryan Pierse / Workers – Getty Photographs Sport
Rafa cast a double break benefit earlier than Novak bounced again, firing up his forehand and taking six of the following seven video games. Djokovic broke Nadal within the tenth recreation, taking the set 6-4 and leveling the general rating. The Spaniard responded within the third set, breaking the Serb two occasions and serving properly to wrap it up 6-2 and transfer nearer to the end line. Novak responded within the fourth set, constructing a 5-2 lead and searching good to power a decider and produce a five-hour marathon. Nevertheless, Djokovic squandered two set factors on serve in recreation 9 and stored Nadal in rivalry. The set went right into a tie break, and Rafa took cost, clinching it 7- with a backhand down the road winner for his twenty ninth victory over Novak.
