As many times before – but still not like before.
The greatest clay-court player of all time, Rafael Nadal, made his entrance at Roland Garros in Paris to the audience's great jubilation. Fourteen times he has won the French Championships on clay here. No one else is even close to threatening.
But at 38 years old, he is a different player than he once was. The Spaniard has been plagued by injuries and has fallen to 161st place in the world rankings. Far from his former glory.
Against world number two Novak Djokovic, it also became clear for the Spaniard. The one-year-younger Serb has also had injury problems recently, but has still managed to stay in the absolute world top.
Fought back in the second set
In a radiant sunny Paris, it was Djokovic who took command from the start. Nadal had to struggle hard and had little to offer. Djokovic took home the first set with 6–1.
The second set initially went Djokovic's way. But then Nadal fought back vigorously and made a match of it. Winning four straight games got the audience fired up and the match took off. At 4–4 in the second set, Djokovic took the reins again. Winning the next two games meant 6–4 and victory for the Serb, who thus advanced.
I'm very relieved. Everything seemed to be going my way, and I maybe got a bit too comfortable. You can't give Nadal any chances, because he'll take advantage of it. Especially on this court, says Djokovic in Eurosport's broadcast.
Warm applause
Nadal received a warm applause from the audience when he left Roland Garros, possibly for the last time as a singles player.
Afterwards, many wondered if Nadal will retire after the Olympic Games. But a decision about the future will come only after the tournament, says Nadal according to AFP.
He may be out of the singles tournament, but he's still in the doubles. Along with star player Carlos Alcaraz, they're advancing to the second round.
Nadal has previously won Olympic gold in both singles (2008) and doubles (2016). Novak Djokovic has at best a bronze in Olympic contexts (2008).
Rafael Nadal
Age: 38
Nation: Spain
Main merits: French Championships 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, US Open 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, Wimbledon 2008, 2010, Australian Open 2009, 2010.
Olympic record: Gold in singles 2008, gold in doubles with Marc López 2016.
Novak Djokovic
Age: 37
Nation: Serbia
Main merits: Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, French Championships 2016, 2021, 2023, Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, US Open 2011, 2015, 2018, 2023.
Olympic record: Bronze in singles 2008.
