Rafael Nadal on his intention to “create problems” for Novak Djokovic and make the Paris Olympics “special”: “I’m always in the right frame of mind”
Monday’s schedule for the Paris Olympics includes a blockbuster tennis match, a handful of the world’s biggest basketball stars, a couple of compelling swimming finals and a gymnastics showdown.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will battle once more when they meet on Monday. It will be the hottest ticket in town with fans expected to pack the Philippe Chatrier Court at Roland Garros in what is going to be the 60th meeting between the two stalwarts. Djokovic, from Serbia, leads the rivarly 30-29 over the Spaniard.
Nadal has had a clear edge on the clay in the French capital down the years, but after more injury concerns and with his career winding down, the 38-year-old Spaniard said Djokovic was “clear favourite” this time.
Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic will be the favourite when they clash at the Paris Olympics on Monday after the Spaniard battled to victory over Marton Fucsovics in the first round.
Nadal had left his participation in the singles in doubt until the last minute because of a thigh injury, and was made to work hard for his 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
The 38-year-old – who has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay of Roland Garros – believes old rival Djokovic will be favourite when they meet for the 60th time.
“Situations are completely different for him, for me. He’s being very competitive. I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in that case, I think probably he is the clear favourite,” Nadal said on Sunday.
“I’m going to try my best to bring the best to the court and then let’s see how far I can go and how many problems I can create for him.”
The latest chapter of a generation-defining rivalry, and perhaps the final act, will bring Nadal and Djokovic full circle – the duo having met as teenagers in their very first meeting in the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals.
Outside round-robin matches in the season-ending ATP Finals, their second-round encounter at the Olympics will be the earliest they have ever met at a tournament.
