Djokovic dismisses Nadal as Olympic quest continues

Novak Djokovic dominated his 60th match against Rafael Nadal, with the Serb reaching the third round of the Paris Olympic event 6-1, 6-4 on Monday.

The loss in one and three-quarter hours brought down the curtain on the 38-year-old Spaniard’s games singles career, with his doubles combination alongside Carlos Alcaraz still in the mix.

The Serb leads what will surely be the final match in the two-decade series 31 wins to 29; the pair last met on court in 2022. 

Djokovic, owner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles but without a medal at the Games, ran out the opening set in 29 minutes after leading 5-0.

With the Serb, 37, in charge by a set and 4-0, Nadal suddenly began a fightback, levelling at 4-all before his opponent completed the second-round win, breaking five times from a dozen chances.

Nadal, plagued through his career by injuries and a 14-time French Open champion at the Olympic Chatrier showcourt venue, seems likely to retire sometime this season.

Djokovic sealed victory on his first match point, sending over his fifth ace.