Paris 2024 Olympics: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in the clash of legends and keeps his dream of Olympic title alive

Novak Djokovic a largement remporté ce duel des légendes contre Rafael Nadal. MAXPPP – FRANCK ROBICHON

Le Serbe Novak Djokovic s’est imposé dans le choc des légendes ce lundi 29 juillet contre Rafael Nadal (6-1, 6-4) sur le Philippe Chatrier.

Did he have 2008 in mind ? The memory of that bitter defeat against the Spaniard, who later won Olympic gold. Since then, Novak Djokovic has never stopped dreaming of that gold medal, the only major title that still eludes him.

An outrageous domination…

As this legendary match approaches, Nadal has no real certainty against a player of such a level. And Novak Djokovic did not wait to set the record straight. In the first set, the Spaniard is struggling physically. And in the game, he is just as much. The Serb plays fairly, far too well to allow the master of the place to hope to take a game.

The Spaniard saves his honour in his backyard and finally snatches one, his only one of the first set.

The expected reaction in the second set does not come. The 2008 Olympic champion doesn't have the legs or the tennis to face this Djokovic on a golden mission, who leaves no crumbs.

Before a comeback… Finally aborted

The encouragement of the public allows the Spaniard to believe in it. He immediately converts his first break point before winning his service game. And if the match was finally launched ? The public gives voice to their king. And Nadal executes for his faithful. The Spaniard manages to vary his game and make the Serb run, who becomes less precise.

Perhaps he is touched by grace. “Rafa” manages to come back to 4-4 in the second set, while he was trailing 4-1. But Djokovic puts an end to the hopes of the Chatrier. He seizes the Spaniard's serve before concluding on his serve with an ace.

With this victory, the Serb exorcises his demons from 2008 and maintains his dreams of the Olympic title. In the next round, he will face Matteo Arnaldi or Dominik Köpfer.