Rafael Nadal believes Novak Djokovic is the clear favorite in Olympics blockbuster

Rafael Nadal asserts that Novak Djokovic will have the upper hand when they face off at the Paris Olympics, following the Spaniard’s hard-fought win over Marton Fucsovics in the opening round on Sunday. Nadal had cast doubt on his participation in the singles until the last moment due to a thigh injury, and had to put in a lot of effort to secure his 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The 38-year-old, who has clinched 14 out of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay courts of Roland Garros, believes his old adversary Djokovic will be the favorite when they square off for the 60th time. 

“The circumstances are completely different for him and for me. He has been very competitive. I have not been very competitive in the last two years, so in that regard, I believe he is probably the clear frontrunner,” stated Nadal, who holds an 8-2 advantage in head-to-head matchups against Djokovic at Roland Garros. 

“I will do my utmost to bring my A-game to the court and then we will see how far I can go and how many challenges I can pose for him.” 

The upcoming chapter in their rivalry, which has defined a generation and could potentially be the final showdown, will bring Nadal and Djokovic back to where it all began – the two first met as teenagers in the quarter-finals of the 2006 Roland Garros. 

Except for the round-robin contests in the season-ending ATP Finals, their second-round clash at the Olympics will mark the earliest stage at which they have ever faced each other in a tournament. 

“It has always been incredibly special to compete against Novak, no question about that,” remarked Nadal. “However, the difference is usually we have been playing for titles or for spots in the semifinals. 

“Of course, this is the Olympics… every match is exceptionally significant. Nevertheless, it is true that almost every match I have played against Novak, I have approached it in a different situation from where I am today. 

“This makes the match more challenging and unpredictable for me. Nonetheless, I always maintain hope and belief.”

‘Tenacious spirit’

Nadal, a singles gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a doubles champion at Rio four years later, is participating in only his seventh tournament of 2024. 

He made it to the final in Bastad last week but faced a setback in training on Wednesday, putting his chances of competing in his fifth Olympics in jeopardy. 

Nadal partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles on Saturday, with his right thigh heavily bandaged as they triumphed in the first round. 

Despite having similar strapping on his leg against Fucsovics, Nadal mentioned that he was feeling “good”. “A little fatigued, of course. It was a long match, but at the same time… it was a good test,” stated Nadal. 

“The positive aspect is that I was able to sustain a high level of tennis for a while. That always gives hope. On the other hand, the negative aspect is that I was unable to maintain that exceptional level.”

Fucsovics suggested that Nadal still possesses the capabilities to defeat Djokovic, who currently leads their career head-to-head 30-29.

“He fought until the end, so his tenacious spirit is still intact, but his playing level is not at its peak,” noted Fucsovics.

“However, if he has a good day, he can still overcome him (Djokovic).”