"I did my part of the job"- Novak Djokovic eagerly awaits Rafael Nadal 'last dance' at Paris Olympics 2024 after sailing through 1R
Novak Djokovic has shared his thoughts on a potential second-round clash against Rafael Nadal in the men's singles event at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serb reached the second round after a dominant display against doubles specialist Matthew Ebden on Saturday, July 27. Now, it's up to Nadal to win his first-round match against Marton Fucsovics on Sunday, July 28, for the Spaniard and the Serb to rekindle their prolific rivalry, possibly for the very last time.
Djokovic didn't have to work too hard to get the better of Ebden in their first-round meeting. Ebden, who replaced Holger Rune in the men's singles draw following the Dane's unfortunate withdrawal due to injury, looked clearly out of sorts. It did not come as a surprise though, as the Australian had not played a singles match in around two years previously, focusing solely on doubles instead. As a result, the Serb cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win.
During the post-match on-court interview, Djokovic was asked about his thoughts on potentially meeting Nadal in the second round. The Serb acknowledged the "hype" building around the potential clash, even though it is yet to be confirmed. The World No. 2 also said that he has done his bit to ensure that the match does take place.
"Yeah there is a great hype around that (potentially meeting Nadal in the second round). I mean, I did my part of the job and obviously he has to win his first round (match) tomorrow. I've got to get ready for that one obviously, it can be a blockbuster," Djokovic said.
The 24-time major winner is looking forward to meeting Nadal as well, saying once again that it could be their "last dance".
"It's one of the matches or one of the events I guess that a lot of people at the Olympics in Paris this year are looking forward to. When the draw came out, we knew that there is a high probability that it might happen, so I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to our last dance so to say, possibly on this court," Djokovic added.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have only faced each other once at the Olympics before
Djokovic and Nadal's sole Olympics meeting came at the 2008 edition of the prestigious games in Beijing. On that occasion, the Serb and the Spaniard met in the semifinals, with Nadal coming out on top (6-4, 1-6, 6-4) before eventually clinching the gold medal in men's singles by defeating Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in the final 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-3.
The Serb would go on to win the bronze medal by winning the third-place match against James Blake 6-3, 7-6(4). Olympic gold has so far eluded him in both singles and doubles, which is one of the reasons behind him taking this year's Paris Olympics so seriously.
Nadal went on to clinch the gold medal again in 2016, this time with Marc Lopez in the doubles. The Spaniard is also gunning for doubles glory in Paris this year, partnering with the high-flying Carlos Alcaraz.