Djokovic, Nadal to face off in Olympics tennis second round

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be sharing the court for the 60th time when they face each other on Monday in the second round of the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s tennis singles.

Nadal’s hard-fought victory against Marton Fucsovics on Sunday set up the mouthwatering clash.

Earlier, Djokovic had cruised past Matthew Ebden in a 6-0, 6-1 affair to make it to the second round.

Djokovic excited to meet Nadal at Olympics

Djokovic has made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm ahead of the match.

“I am excited for this duel in the second round, and I will give it my all,” the Serbian said.

“I am aware of the importance of the Olympic Games.

“I represent my country, which is more responsibility and even more pressure.”

Nadal was happy to share his excitement as well.

“Roland Garros is the most special place in the world of tennis for me,” he said.

“This year I was not able to spend a lot of time at Roland Garros so I am excited to be back here.

“It’s another opportunity and a chance to enjoy every single moment.”

Nadal enters as heavy underdog with bookies

Nadal comes into this match at the longest odds he has held in a clash against Djokovic since March 2016.

Tennis bookmakers have the Spaniard at +360 to win on Monday, while Djokovic is paying -500 to overcome his nemesis.

The two have played each other 59 times before their Olympic 2024 meeting.

Djokovic holds a slight head-to-head advantage, with 30 wins compared to Nadal’s 29.

It was Nadal, however, who had the last laugh in their most recent meeting.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion bettered Djokovic in the 2022 French Open quarterfinals following a four-hour battle.

That said, time has not been kind to Nadal, as the 38-year-old has experienced significant injury issues in recent years.

Nadal has played in 18 matches since the turn of the year, managing to win only 12.

Djokovic, on the other hand, will be licking his wounds following his one-sided Wimbledon final loss to Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.

Online bookmakers have the 24-time major winner at +250 to win his first gold medal, behind Alcaraz on -138.89.

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