Rafael Nadal hurdled his Olympic opener on Sunday, as he gets ready for Novak Djokovic as his next opponent in Paris.
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NADAL HURDLES OLYMPIC OPENER AGAINST FUCSOVICS, GETS STANDING OVATION
Furthermore, Nadal handled his Olympic opener by posting a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.
The 38-year-old Spanish tennis superstar showed the form that won for him Olympic gold in singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016, particularly in the third set.
Moreover, Nadal made a last-minute call to pursue his men’s singles schedule less than 24 hours after he and Carlos Alcaraz hurdled their men’s doubles opening match.
“It was a pleasure… to play against Rafa (Nadal),” Fucsovics said.
“I had a chance in the third set…but then he played very solid, very aggressive,” he added.
For Nadal, playing at Roland Garros against will always be special.
“It’s always beautiful to play on this court without a doubt,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner said.
RAFA READY FOR DJOKOVIC, ADMITS SERBIAN THE ‘CLEAR FAVORITE’
Moreover, Nadal expressed his readiness for Djokovic in their second-round matchup.
The Spaniard admitted his Serbian rival will be the “clear favorite” in their latest matchup.
“Of course, it’s beautiful to play against one of the two biggest rivals that I had I my career, especially on this court,” Nadal said.
“I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in this case, I think probably he (Djokovic) is the clear favorite,” he added.
More than playing against Djokovic next, Nadal said playing for Spain has always been special.
“Representing your country is always super special,” Nadal said.
DJOKOVIC LOOKING FORWARD TO NADAL MATCHUP, ‘POSSIBLY THE LAST TIME’
Meanwhile, Djokovic shared the fans’ sentiments of facing Nadal next in Paris.
“I’m looking forward to it (Nadal matchup), and I’ll be ready for that matchup. Playing him is like finals, in any tournament,” the Serbian said.
“Particularly here, knowing what he has achieved and what he’s done for our sport, but particularly here at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself,” he added.
It will be the 60th time Nadal and Djokovic will face each in other their head-to-head matchups.
Djokovic leads the series, 30-29.
“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 (Djokovic),” Nadal said.
