Olympics
Rafael Nadal Ends His Singles Olympic Run with a Loss to Novak Djokovic
by privatebet.com - 2024/07/30
Rafael Nadal came into the Paris Olympics with the Olympic torch in hand, knowing it would most likely be his last. He ended his Olympic run in singles in the second-round match against one of his greatest rivals, Novak Djokovic. Nadal kicked off his Olympic run with a win against Milos Raonic, but he wasn’t as lucky in the second round. Despite having the Roland Garros crowd on his side and playing on his favorite surface, Nadal eventually fell to one of his long-time rivals. Djokovic easily cruised past the Spaniard in the first set, winning 6-1, but Nadal decided to show some resistance in the second set. Djokovic led 4-0, but Nadal fought back to wipe out the double break before Djokovic caught up and eventually won the second set 6-4. Djokovic expressed hope that this won’t be the last match he played against Nadal, who’s been contemplating retirement for quite some time. “When this tournament is over, I will take the necessary decisions based on my feelings and desire. If that’s the last match here, I’ll be in peace. I did my best and I can’t complain,” Nadal told reporters. Despite ending his run in singles, Nadal is still chasing Olympic glory in the men's doubles alongside reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.