Said goodbye to his fans perhaps for the last time: Rafael Nadal © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI
“I’ll let you know when I don’t want to play anymore”
Rafael Nadal hugged Novak Djokovic and waved wistfully goodbye to the French fans after what was probably his last singles appearance at the beloved Stade Roland Garros. In the Olympic duel of giants between the two tennis superstars, the Spaniard suffered one of the most painful defeats of his career at the site of his greatest triumphs.
July 29, 2024
From: dpa
With 1:6, 4:6 Nadal had to admit defeat to his long-time rival in the second round. "I couldn't put him in difficult situations. He played much better than me - from start to finish," admitted the 38-year-old. "I can only congratulate him." Nadal fought back from a 0-4 deficit in the second set to 4-4, but still lost for the 60st time in the 31th duel between the two superstars.
If his great rival has his way, there will be more sporting reunions. "I hope, in the spirit of the rivalry and sport in general, that we will face each other at least once or a few more times. The more he plays, the more tennis wins," said Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic was a class better. © APA/afp / MARTIN BERNETTI
Nadal still has a chance of winning his third Olympic gold in the doubles alongside fellow countryman Carlos Alcaraz after his singles triumph in 2008 in Beijing and his doubles victory in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. However, a return to the French Open, which he won 14 times, seems unlikely given the physical problems he has suffered in the late stages of his career.
Nevertheless, Nadal left it open whether he will compete in Paris again next year. "I want to do my best every day. If I decide I don't want to play anymore, I'll let you know."
Djokovic wants first medal
Djokovic now has the chance to win the one award that the most successful tennis player in Grand Slam history is still missing: Olympic gold. In the semifinals, as in 2021 in Tokyo, he could face the then Olympic champion Alexander Zverev again. The number one seeded gold favorite Djokovic will face Dominik Koepfer in the round of 3, who defeated the Italian Matteo Arnaldi 6:6, 2:6, 1:XNUMX.Edit Profile
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