Novak Djokovic’s quest for a maiden Olympic title is gaining momentum after beating Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4, in the second round at the Paris Games.
The 24-time Grand Slam started the match in clinical form by winning 10 out of the first 11 games played before the king of clay produced some stern resistance in the second set. Djokovic hit 23 winners and capitalized on a costly 20 unforced errors from Nadal to claim his 15th Olympic singles match-win. The most achieved by a male player in the Open Era with Stefi Graf being the only person to have matched that tally.
“I’m very relieved because everything looked like going my way at six-one, four-love,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
“I got maybe, a little bit too comfortable at four-one (in the second set). Played a pretty sloppy service game and you can’t give any chances to Nadal because he’s going to use them.
“It was very tough. I’m very pleased with the way we played.”
Monday’s showdown was an historic occasion with it being the first time two players have faced each other for a 60th time on the men’s Tour in the Open Era. In Olympic history, it was the second time the two have clashed after the 2008 semi-finals which Nadal won en route to victory.
“Back in 2006 I don’t think we both thought we were going to play in almost 20 years at the same court at the Olympic Games,” the 37-year-old reflected.
“I think we will eventually appreciate this match very much. For our rivalry, but also for the sport itself, Olympic Games as well.”
Djokovic got off to a dream start in Paris by claiming five games in a row. He broke Nadal’s opening service game after the Spaniard hit a forehand that touched the net and landed out before continuing to dominate proceedings by applying pressure and forcing his nemeses to make mistakes. He secured the double break after another forehand error from the 14-time French Open champion.
It wasn’t until 34 minutes into the match that Nadal finally got himself on the scoreboard. However, it did little to derail the top seed who sealed the opener after his opponent hit a shot wide.
Heading into the second frame, it looked as if the Serbian was about to claim the most one-sided win in their rivalry after winning a further four games in a row. However, a dramatic change in the momentum occurred after a below-par Djokovic game let Nadal back in before he unexpectedly drew level at 4-4. Triggering a huge cheer from the Parisian crowd.
Nerves also played its part towards the closing stages with both players appearing tentative on the court. At 4-4, Nadal managed to save a trio of break points before a masterful Djokovic drop shot enabled him to break for a chance to serve the match out. In the following game, he sealed victory with an ace out wide.
“It’s unfortunate for him. He wasn’t at his best.” Djokovic said of Nadal.
“But I did everything I possibly could to make him uncomfortable on the court.”
It is the third time in his career that Djokovic has beaten Nadal at Roland Garros. He is the only person to have done so on multiple occasions and now leads their head-to-head 31-29.
Djokovic will next play either Germany’s Dominik Koepfer or Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
