Paris, July 30: It was no tensed Grand Slam final, where the two formidable forces of men's tennis, would be desperate to prevail over the other and emerge triumphant. But it was no less either.
Because the crowd, sports lovers and the tennis world understandably were delighted to see the two greatest tennis icons Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal play against each other again. It was not the result, but the occasion and their face-off on the court that mattered most.
They have met numerous times. The results too have gone either way. But on Monday in the Paris Olympics 2024, it was Djokovic, who prevailed over his years-long worthy opponent Nadal 6-1, 6-4.
With that win, Djokovic continued his quest for an elusive first Gold medal at the Olympics. The two tennis greats were competing on Philippe-Chatrier in front of a raucous crowd. The noise, ambience, cheer and claps reflected the respect they command as living sports legends.
Agreed, the Spaniard (Nadal) had the last laugh in their last meeting in 2022, as he earned a four-set quarter-final victory at the Roland Garros (French Open) But on Monday, it was Djokovic, who prevailed over his opponent.
Experts however believe, if this was to be Nadal's final appearance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the 14-time Roland Garros champion will be satisfied with the fight he showed in the second set. Because he has braved numerous injuries to be back on court again.
Nadal, who is now 38, holds a rare 112-4 record at the clay-court major. His popularity in France was evident, as he was cheered on by the huge crowd in the stadium.
The two met each other 18 years back in the same court and Nadal had won that match. But on Monday, Djokovic looked fresh and was firing close to his best, while Nadal’s intensity levels were lower for large parts.
Though Nadal had dominated the clay courts for years, but if Grand Slam tiles are taken into account, Djokovic, who won this year's Wimbledon, has 24 titles. Nadal with 22 Grand Slam trophies is the next to him and is followed by Roger Federer with 20 Grand Slam crowns.
