Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic would be the favorite after they conflict on the Paris Olympics, after the Spaniard battled to victory over Marton Fucsovics within the first spherical on Sunday. Nadal had left his participation within the singles unsure till the final minute due to a thigh damage, and was made to work onerous for his 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The 38-year-old — who has received 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay of Roland Garros — believes outdated rival Djokovic can be favorite after they meet for the sixtieth time.
“Conditions are fully totally different for him, for me. He is being very aggressive. I used to be not being very aggressive for the final two years, so in that case, I believe most likely he’s the clear favorite,” mentioned Nadal, who holds an 8-2 head-to-head benefit over the Serb at Roland Garros.
“I will strive my finest to deliver the perfect to the court docket after which let’s have a look at how far I can go and what number of issues I can create for him.”
The most recent chapter of a generation-defining rivalry, and maybe the ultimate act, will deliver Nadal and Djokovic full circle — the duo having met as youngsters of their very first assembly within the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals.
Exterior round-robin matches within the season-ending ATP Finals, their second-round encounter on the Olympics would be the earliest they’ve ever met at a event.
“It has at all times been tremendous particular to play in opposition to Novak, little doubt about that,” mentioned Nadal. “However the distinction is often we’ve been taking part in for finals or for semi-finals.
“After all, it is an Olympics… each match is tremendous particular. But it surely’s true that on the similar time, virtually each single match that I performed in opposition to Novak, I arrive at it with a unique state of affairs that I’m right this moment.
“In order that makes the match harder for me and extra unpredictable. However, I at all times have hope, I at all times imagine.”
‘Preventing spirit’
Nadal, a singles gold medallist on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and doubles champion at Rio 4 years later, is taking part in simply his seventh event of 2024.
He reached the ultimate in Bastad final weekend however suffered a setback in coaching on Wednesday, jeopardising his hopes of showing at a fifth Olympics.
Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz within the doubles on Saturday, however he had his proper thigh closely bandaged because the pair received their first-round match in straight units.
His leg sported related strapping in opposition to Fucsovics, however Nadal mentioned he was feeling “good”. “Bit drained, after all. I imply, an extended match, however on the similar time… it was a great take a look at,” mentioned Nadal.
“The nice factor is I used to be capable of play at a great degree of tennis for some time. That at all times offers hope. After which (the) detrimental stuff is I used to be not capable of maintain that nice degree.”
Fucsovics urged the Spaniard nonetheless had what it takes to beat Djokovic, who leads the profession head-to-head 30-29.
“He was combating till the tip, so his combating spirit continues to be on the prime nonetheless, however he is not at his finest taking part in degree,” mentioned Fucsovics.
“But when he has a great day he can beat him (Djokovic) nonetheless.”
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