NOVAK DJOKOVIC ‘APPRECIATES’ WHAT RAFAEL NADAL SHOWDOWN AT PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS MEANT ‘FOR OUR RIVALRY AND SPORT ITSELF’

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s 18-year-old rivalry continued at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Monday, when the top-seeded Serbian earned a straight-sets win at the Spaniard’s stomping ground of Roland-Garros. After their 60th career meeting, Djokovic said he and Nadal will “appreciate” what an Olympic showdown meant “for our rivalry but also for the sport itself.”

Novak Djokovic said he and Rafael Nadal will come to “appreciate” the significance of their Paris 2024 Olympics clash “for our rivalry and the sport itself” after the Serbian knocked out his old rival in their 60th career meeting.

It was an emotional moment for the fans, who knew they could be witnessing the final chapter in an 18-year long rivalry between the two most decorated male players in the sport, who boast a combined 46 Grand Slam titles

Speaking to Eurosport’s Laura Robson on court after his win, Djokovic was asked to reflect on facing Nadal in Paris again, the scene of their very first meeting in 2006.

“Back in 2006 I don’t think we both thought we would be going to play in almost 20 years’ time on the same court, at the Olympic Games,” Djokovic said.

“I think we will eventually appreciate this match very much. I think for our rivalry but also for the sport itself.

‘No way!’ – Nadal stops to applaud stunning Djokovic return in showdown

“[For the] Olympic Games as well. I think there was a lot of attention and interest directed towards our match and tennis today. Of course it benefits all of us.

“It’s unfortunate for him he wasn’t at his best, but I did everything possible to make him uncomfortable on the court.”

Djokovic was in cruise control early on as he romped to a run of 10 games from the opening 11 for a set and double-break lead.

Nadal, who was involved in doubles and singles matches over the weekend and previously complained about the scheduling, looked to be struggling before getting the Parisian crowd on its feet by fighting back to level the second set at 4-4.

‘Greatest rivalry we have ever seen’ – Watch moment Djokovic downs Nadal

Djokovic kept his cool, breaking once more for a 5-4 lead before serving out the match, but the 37-year-old admitted he didn’t find it easy going despite the ultimately comfortable scoreline.

“[I’m] very relieved, because everything looked like it was going my way at 6-1 4-0,” Djokovic said.

“I got maybe a little too comfortable there at 4-1, played a pretty sloppy service game.

“You can’t give any chances to Nadal because he’s going to use them, he’s going to come back, especially on this court. The crowd getting involved obviously was very tough.

“But [it was] a crucial game at 4-4. Last game with old balls, just try to break his serve and serve against the wind with new balls.

‘Madness’ – Amazing Nadal defence against Djokovic stuns crowd at Roland-Garros

“I did well last couple of serves, but wow, it was a very, very close encounter, especially in the second, but I’m very pleased with the way I played.”

Djokovic is bidding to win one of the few accolades that has thus far eluded him in his illustrious career, Olympic singles gold.

Next in his path will be Germany’s Dominik Koepfer or Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the third round.