Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in line for mammoth early Olympics clash | Tennis | Sport
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could clash in the second round of the men’s singles at the 2024 Olympics following a mouth-watering draw on Thursday. The legendary duo haven’t faced each other in a professional match in over two years but look set to renew their rivalry at Roland Garros.
Tennis stars competing in the men’s and women’s singles and doubles events in Paris this summer learnt their potential routes to the final on Thursday morning.
But the headline-stealing match wasn’t drawn in the first round. Instead, the prospect of a second-round battle between Djokovic and Nadal – unseeded in the event – has left fans drooling.
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Djokovic – the top seed in Paris – will start his campaign against Australia’s Matthew Ebden, while Nadal faces Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.
The pair – who boast 46 Grand Slam titles between them – will then meet in the next round if they are both successful against their respective opponents.
At the draw ceremony, Nadal said: “As always, I’m happy to be in this amazing city and, of course, this place.
“Roland Garros, as everybody knows, is a special place in the world of tennis for me, so I’m just excited to have the chance to be back here.
“It’s another opportunity. This year, I was not able to spend a lot of time in Roland Garros, so I’m enjoying the fact that I am back for the Olympics.”
In their last encounter, Nadal beat Djokovic in a quarter-final clash on his way to an incredible record-extending 14th French Open crown in 2022.
The Spaniard has been synonymous with the Roland Garros career throughout his storied career, but Djokovic would be the favourite if they meet again this summer.
Also on the left side of the draw, Britain’s Dan Evans faces Moez Echargui of Tunisia, knowing eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas may await in round two.
British No. 1 Jack Draper has been pitted against former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori of Japan. Third seed Alexander Zverev begins his hunt for gold against Spain’s Jaume Munar.
On the right side, Cameron Norrie faces Tallon Griekspoor. If he navigates past the Dutchman, a tall task against reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz likely awaits in round two.
The second-seeded Spaniard is looking to add a gold medal to his incredible honours list at the age of 21 and starts his search against Lebanon’s Hady Habib.
Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, fifth seed Alex De Minaur and sixth seed Casper Ruud all also feature on a strong right side of the draw.
In the women’s singles, solo British entrant Katie Boulter kicks off her quest for gold against Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Britain’s No. 1 is on the same side of the draw as second seed Coco Gauff.
