Rafael Nadal Says Novak Djokovic ‘Clear Favorite’ In Olympics Blockbuster

Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic would be the favorite once they conflict on the Paris Olympics, after the Spaniard battled to victory over Marton Fucsovics within the first spherical on Sunday. Nadal had left his participation within the singles unsure till the final minute due to a thigh damage, and was made to work laborious for his 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The 38-year-old — who has gained 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay of Roland Garros — believes outdated rival Djokovic will likely be favorite once they meet for the sixtieth time. 

“Conditions are utterly completely different for him, for me. He is being very aggressive. I used to be not being very aggressive for the final two years, so in that case, I believe most likely he’s the clear favorite,” stated Nadal, who holds an 8-2 head-to-head benefit over the Serb at Roland Garros. 

“I’ll attempt my greatest to convey the very best to the court docket after which let’s have a look at how far I can go and what number of issues I can create for him.” 

The most recent chapter of a generation-defining rivalry, and maybe the ultimate act, will convey Nadal and Djokovic full circle — the duo having met as youngsters of their very first assembly within the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals.

Exterior round-robin matches within the season-ending ATP Finals, their second-round encounter on the Olympics would be the earliest they’ve ever met at a event. 

“It has at all times been tremendous particular to play towards Novak, little doubt about that,” stated Nadal. “However the distinction is often now we have been taking part in for finals or for semi-finals. 

“In fact, it is an Olympics… each match is tremendous particular. But it surely’s true that on the similar time, nearly each single match that I performed towards Novak, I arrive at it with a special scenario that I’m at the moment. 

“In order that makes the match harder for me and extra unpredictable. However, I at all times have hope, I at all times imagine.”

‘Preventing spirit’

Nadal, a singles gold medallist on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and doubles champion at Rio 4 years later, is taking part in simply his seventh event of 2024. 

He reached the ultimate in Bastad final weekend however suffered a setback in coaching on Wednesday, jeopardising his hopes of showing at a fifth Olympics. 

Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz within the doubles on Saturday, however he had his proper thigh closely bandaged because the pair gained their first-round match in straight units. 

His leg sported comparable strapping towards Fucsovics, however Nadal stated he was feeling “good”. “Bit drained, after all. I imply, a protracted match, however on the similar time… it was a superb take a look at,” stated Nadal. 

“The great factor is I used to be capable of play at a superb stage of tennis for some time. That at all times provides hope. After which (the) detrimental stuff is I used to be not capable of maintain that nice stage.”

Fucsovics urged the Spaniard nonetheless had what it takes to beat Djokovic, who leads the profession head-to-head 30-29.

“He was preventing till the tip, so his preventing spirit continues to be on the high nonetheless, however he is not at his greatest taking part in stage,” stated Fucsovics.

“But when he has a superb day he can beat him (Djokovic) nonetheless.”