Rafael Nadal’s quest for a third Olympic gold came to an abrupt end on Monday, July 29 as he was ousted from the singles competition by archrival Novak Djokovic, who won decisively 6-1, 6-4.
The Serbian star delivered a masterclass on Court Philippe Chatrier in a match that showcased Djokovic’s exceptional form. The clash marked their 60th encounter, with Djokovic avenging previous Olympic losses to Nadal, including the semi-final defeat at Beijing 2008 and the men’s doubles loss at Rio 2016.
Nadal, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, could not find his rhythm against Djokovic, who exploited every weakness. Djokovic’s relentless pressure left Nadal trailing 5-0 in the first set, and despite a brief resurgence from the Spaniard, the set was soon sealed by Djokovic.
The second set saw Nadal struggle to regain control as Djokovic maintained his dominance, ultimately securing victory with a display of clinical precision.
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Despite a valiant effort and a momentary revival when Nadal finally held his serve in the sixth game, Djokovic’s performance proved too formidable.
As Nadal walked off the court, he blew kisses to his loyal fans, acknowledging their unwavering support. The match served as a poignant moment, potentially marking the end of an era for these tennis titans who collectively hold 46 Grand Slam singles titles.
Djokovic, now focused on capturing his elusive Olympic gold, continues his pursuit at Paris 2024, while Nadal’s departure highlights the end of his bid for further Olympic glory.
