Rafael Nadal will play Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but he is unsure if he can challenge the Serbian, considering their recent performances.
The 38-year-old Spaniard has played some really solid tennis lately, with the run to the final at the ATP 250 tournament in Bastad, but his level hasn't been the same as Djokovic's.
One year younger Serbian made the Wimbledon final and has played some great tennis lately. Nadal's wins haven't been on the same level because his opponents haven't been on the same level as his rival's opponents.
Nadal had a tougher opponent in the first round at the Olympic Games, taking on Marton Fucsovics, and he barely beat him. That's an ominous warning for Nadal and his fans because Djokovic is a far better player than the Hungarian, and if the Spaniard was struggling against him, his next matchup might be a big struggle.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner also showed a really high level in his first match at the Olympics, even though the opponent wasn't that strong, so that win can't really be used to measure anything.
Nadal told RNE that he was unsure what level he would have as it was early in the event, which wasn't when they usually played in the past. They usually met in the finals, which gave them time to settle into their top level by then. This will be a unique challenge.
"Normally when I've played this type of match against him, we play in the final rounds for something really important. These are the Olympic Games, and every match is important, without a doubt, but I'm a little bit unsure of what level I can play at. I'm going to try to give my best to really create problems for him."
Despite the unsure tone when talking about the match, Nadal certainly won't enter the match believing that he can't win. It's Roland Garros, after all, and if there is one place where he likely could beat Djokovic in this moment, it's these courts.
The match will be played in the best-of-three format, which is another thing he could benefit from because he can start pushing immediately instead of having to rely on a grid that could go on to four or five sets where he wouldn't be in a good spot against the more fit Djokovic.
" It's a little bit uncertain what's going to happen, but well, I'm always in the right frame of mind and if inspiration comes, I'll be working. We'll be there and we'll try to give our all to make it a special night."
Whatever happens in the match, it will be quite iconic because it will be the first and only time they will face each other at the Olympics. It's an event both hold in high regard, and it's played on the iconic Roland Garros courts.
Djokovic is favored, but Nadal will certainly give it his all, and who knows what might happen. As he said, it will surely be a special meeting, their 60th.
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