- The tennis icons met for the 60th time in the second round of the Olympic Games
- Djokovic leads their head-to-head record 31-29 after victory at Roland Garros
- Nadal remains in the hunt for a medal at the men’s doubles tournament in Paris
Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the men’s singles tennis tournament at the Olympic Games after beating his old rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
The record Grand Slam winner is in search of the only title missing from his trophy cabinet and quickly defeated Nadal in the first set at Roland Garros.
The event has been the scene of all 14 of Nadal’s French Open victories and, in what is expected to be his final appearance on the Paris clay, fans were hoping to see a fairytale run.
After winning the first set 6-1, Djokovic looked set to overtake Nadal in the second set in their 60th meeting. But the Spaniard recovered from a break down to level the match at 4-4.
However, the Serb regained the advantage in the next game before serving out and winning the match 6-1, 6-4. Although Nadal’s hopes of a second singles gold medal were dashed, the veteran remains in the men’s doubles draw alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic claimed his 31st win over Rafael Nadal in the 60th meeting between the two tennis icons
The 37-year-old is looking to claim the only trophy missing from his trophy cabinet.
Rafael Nadal’s hopes of a second singles gold medal have been dashed, but he remains in contention for a doubles win alongside Carlos Alcaraz
These Games mark Djokovic’s fifth attempt at a gold medal. The 37-year-old’s best performance came during his debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He entered this year’s competition as the top seed, with reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz (who beat him in London earlier this month) the biggest threat to his conquest.
On Monday, Alcaraz will face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor for a place in the next round. Djokovic will play the winner of the clash between German Dominik Koepfer and Italian Matteo Arnaldi.