Where will Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play next? All you need to know
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have both endured a difficult 2024 season, battling injuries and cut-throat competition. Both, however, will be competing at the Paris Olympics — set to be played between July 27 and August 4 — and will have their sights set on winning a medal.
Opportunities to represent one’s country are far and few between in the sport of tennis. Besides the annual team competitions — Billie Jean King Cup for women and Davis Cup for men — the Olympics provides players with the chance to take on national responsibility.
Rafael Nadal, who was sidelined for the better part of the last two years due to injuries, was in action at the Bastad Open last week.
The Spaniard made his first ATP Final in nearly 24 months, taking out the likes of Cameron Norrie and Mariano Navone, before losing to Nuno Borges in the summit clash.
The run is especially crucial, given that the Spaniard is eyeing a successful outing at the Paris Olympics. He had suffered a setback at the French Open in May, losing in the first round. However, with the Paris Olympics being played at the same venue, he now has a chance at redemption. Nadal has an excellent record at the Stade Roland Garros, having won the French Open a record 14 times.
Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, will look to move past the disappointment of having lost a second consecutive Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb, who underwent a knee procedure around a month ago, had done well to make the final after beating the likes of Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti. His loss in the summit clash, however, meant that his title drought for 2024 continues heading into the Paris Olympics.
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic have vastly different memories of the Olympic Games
Tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic will have vastly different memories from their past appearances at the Olympic Games.
Nadal has enjoyed success donning the Spanish jersey. Not only did he triumph in the singles competition in Beijing, he also has a men’s doubles gold medal to his name. He defeated Fernando Gonzalez in the 2008 men's singles final to clinch the gold medal, and partnered Marc Lopez to win doubles gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Djokovic, meanwhile, has faced heartbreak on more occasions than one despite being among the favorites for gold each time.
The Serb was beaten by Juan Martin Del Potro in the bronze medal match at the 2012 London Olympics, missing out on a medal by a whisker. The Argentine was back to upset Djokovic in Rio, only this time, he took out the then top seed in the opening round. Djokovic came close again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but lost the semifinal. The Serb did win the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.