Olympics: Novak Djokovic thumps Rafael Nadal in 60th head-to-head clash
What's the story
Top seed Novak Djokovic humbled Spanish ace Rafael Nadal to reach the tennis men's singles third round at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Djokovic claimed a 6-1, 6-4 win at Court Philippe-Chatrier (Roland Garros) in what was a record-extending 60th ATP head-to-head clash between the two. The Serb secured his 31st victory over Nadal. It was their first meeting since the 2022 French Open.
Stats
A look at match stats
Djokovic won a total of 63 points and 23 winners throughout the match. He served five aces compared to Nadal's one. The former won eight backhand and as many forehand winners. He won 30 of his 58 receiving points and converted five of his 12 break points. Nadal (20) had more unforced errors than Nadal (17). The former recorded two double-faults.
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First meeting in over two years
As mentioned, Djokovic and Nadal met for the first time since the 2022 French Open quarter-final. The Spaniard won 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) in the late-night thriller. Nadal later claimed his 14th Roland Garros title.
Rivalry
Rivalry: Djokovic 31-29 Nadal
Djokovic was all over Nadal in what was the 60th fixture between the two. The latter now has a slender lead over Nadal (31-29) in the ATP head-to-head series. Notably, Nadal leads Djokovic 11-7 in Grand Slam matches. He leads 8-2 at the French Open and 2-1 at the US Open. Meanwhile, Djokovic leads 2-0 at the Australian Open and 2-1 at Wimbledon.
Numbers
Unique records for the rivalry
As per Opta, Djokovic and Nadal form the first pair of men to clash 60 times in the Open Era. Djokovic and Swiss ace Roger Federer locked horns 50 times. Moreover, Djokovic and Nadal form the third pair to face each other multiple times at the Olympics (tennis men's singles) after Federer-Tomas Berdych and Djokovic-Juan Martin del Potro.
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An 18-year gap between first and last matches
It is worth noting that Djokovic and Nadal first met on the ATP Tour as many as 18 years ago, in the 2006 French Open quarter-final. As per Opta, only two other pairs have an 18-year gap between their first and last matches.
Olympics
Nadal's singles journey ends; Djokovic eyes gold
Nadal, whose singles journey in Paris ends, claimed a three-set win over Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in the men's singles first round. The Spaniard still eyes his third Olympic medal as he continues in men's doubles along with Carlos Alcaraz. On the other hand, Djokovic's quest for an elusive Olympic gold continues. Djokovic's only medal (silver) at the Games came in 2008 (Beijing).