Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal renew an epic rivalry in Paris (Picture: Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal says Novak Djokovic is the ‘clear favourite’ when the pair meet at Paris 2024 on Monday afternoon.
The two tennis legends meet in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games after the Spaniard beat Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics and the Serb downed Australia’s Matthew Ebden in their openers.
They now clash in the second round on Court Philippe Chatrier, where Nadal has enjoyed such astronomical success over his phenomenal career.
However, with injury problems and a reduced schedule over the last couple of years, Nadal says Djokovic will be expected to beat him, given he is still ranked at number two in the world, while the King of Clay is down at 161.
‘Situations are completely different for him, for me,’ said Nadal. ‘He’s being very competitive. I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in that case, I think probably he is the clear favourite.
‘I’m going to try my best to bring the best to the court and then let’s see how far I can go and how many problems I can create for him.’
Nadal holds an 8-2 record over Djokovic at Roland Garros and is relishing the chance to meet him again at the iconic venue, even if it is in the unusual setting of a second round.
‘It has always been super special to play against Novak, no doubt about that,’ he said. ‘But the difference is normally we have been playing for finals or for semi-finals.
‘Of course, it’s an Olympics…every match is super special. But it’s true that at the same time, almost every single match that I played against Novak, I arrive at it with a different situation that I am today.
‘So that makes the match more difficult for me and more unpredictable. But, I always have hope, I always believe.’
Nadal’s first round opponent, Fucsovics, said the Spaniard’s performances are not what they were, but is still capable of beating the best.
‘He was fighting until the end, so his fighting spirit is still at the top still, but he’s not at his best playing level,’ said the Hungarian. ‘But if he has a good day he can beat him still.’
The clash of the legends comes up on Monday afternoon, not before 12.30pm UK time.