When Rafael Nadal set up a matchup with Novak Djokovic, he shared an emotional account of his Olympic triumph.
Rafael Nadal has opened up about his physical difficulties following his advancement to the second round of the Olympic men’s singles competition. After more than two and a half hours of fighting, the Spaniard defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-1 4-6 6-4.
As a reward, he will face his bitter rival Novak Djokovic in an exciting match. Their 60th meeting will take place more than two years after their most recent match, which took place in the quarterfinal of the 2022 French Open.
Recalling his triumph on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the most significant moment in his career, and previewing his matchup with Djokovic, Rafael Nadal appeared overcome with emotion.
There were rumors that Nadal wouldn’t even participate in Sunday’s singles event. After Nadal postponed a practice earlier in the week, his coach Carlos Moya expressed concerns. When the 38-year-old concluded a doubles match on Saturday night, he declared that it was “outrageous” that he was scheduled for the day session.
However, he managed to stay in the draw and defeat Fucsovics of Hungary after fighting hard for three sets. After the match, Rafael Nadal talked about his physical condition, saying, “Well, I’m facing my body.” To the best of my ability? Although it’s not simple, this is the point where you really have to put in your best effort.
“Although the contest was lengthy, it served as a valuable test. The fact that I was able to play tennis at a high level for a while offers me optimism, but the bad news is that I was unable to maintain that high level. So let’s see what tomorrow brings—a different tale and a different kind of foe.”
Nadal went on, focusing on his upcoming match and his longtime opponent: “[We are in] different circumstances in our careers. He has just returned from a Grand Slam final, although I haven’t played very competitively in the previous two years. It’s in a wonderful place, let’s see. I’m simply going to do my best and try to have as much fun as I can.
Playing against Novak has always been an extremely unique experience. That is undoubtedly the case, however this is a different scenario given that we are currently in the second round rather than the finals or semi-finals. Naturally, since it’s the Olympics, each game is extremely exceptional. However, it is a fact that in nearly every match I played against Novak, I was not in the same circumstances as I am now, which makes it much more challenging for me. Even if I’m more erratic now, I still want to give it my all and I always have hope.”
Since the tennis competition will being held at Stade Roland Garros this year, Nadal has added reason to be excited about the Olympics. At the French Open, the Spaniard has won 14 of his 22 career Major championships. In the clay-court Grand Slam this year, he was defeated in the opening round; however, he made amends by triumphing in the doubles match alongside Carlos Alcaraz and the singles match against Fucsovics.
“Throughout my whole tennis career, it has always been special. Each and every time I’ve been able to play on this court has been unique in and of itself,” he continued.
Naturally, I am aware that this may be my final performance here. Perhaps not. I don’t know, so I can’t vouch for that. I enjoy being able to play [at] this age and having these amazing experiences on the court, feeling the love and support of the people. I truly feel very loved by the French crowd.”