The 2024 Paris Olympics will mark the last chance for 2 of the Greatest Ever Tennis players to add to their Olympics medal tally. Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has never won an Olympic Gold in his career, with heartbreaks following him ever since 2008 Beijing. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal has 2 Olympic Golds to his name, one in 2008 and the other in 2016. Considering the 8-year pattern, Nadal should be one of the favourites to win it in 2024 too, right? Well, only if age was by his side.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, turned 38 last month and his body is well and truly ageing. After sitting out of Wimbledon to work on his fitness and game, the Spaniard will be making his return to the clay courts at Roland Garros, his favourite hunting ground, for the 2024 Summer Games.
Novak Djokovic on the other hand, in typical Djokovic fashion, played remarkably well to reach the Wimbledon finals after nursing an injury just a few weeks back. While Carlos Alcaraz proved to be a bit too much for the 37-year-old.
But as fate would have it, the Serbian will soon most probably cross paths with his long-time rival in the Olympics. This matchup has been scheduled to take place as soon as the 2nd round of the Men’s Singles category.
It would mean the end of the dream for one of the two Tennis legends. The Clay court would mean advantage Nadal, but, the recent form means advantage Novak. In Novak’s case especially, he would be determined to end his Olympic career on a high and get his hands on that elusive Gold Medal. For Nadal, a win would mean a statement to all his haters and doubters and a clearer path to a historic 3rd Olympic Gold.
Yet, for now, this matchup isn’t a sure-shot possibility. As for them to advance into the second round, they’ll have to overcome relatively easier opponents in their first-round matchups. Rafael Nadal will face Hungary’s
Yet, for now, this matchup isn’t a sure-shot possibility. As for them to advance into the second round, they’ll have to overcome relatively easier opponents in their first-round matchups. Rafael Nadal will face
Yet, for now, this matchup isn’t a sure-shot possibility. As for them to advance into the second round, they’ll have to overcome relatively easier opponents in their first-round matchups. Rafael Nadal will face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics while Novak Djokovic will be up against Australia’s Matthew Ebden on Saturday.
