Djokovic – Nadal: Burning for the last time

France's Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both have reason to go all out in their 60th and possibly final confrontation, at the Paris Olympics this afternoon.

*Nadal - Djokovic: 6:30 p.m. today, July 29, on VnExpress.

Nadal represented Spain by receiving the Olympic torch from French football legend Zinedine Zidane on the opening day. That is perhaps also the image that represents the 38-year-old tennis player at this year's Olympics, the image of the flame burning for the last time.

Nadal (right) receives the torch from Zidane, at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26. Photo: Reuters

Nadal is likely to retire after this summer, only confirming to play one more Laver Cup team tournament at the end of the year to officially say goodbye. The Paris Olympics is where Nadal wants to devote the rest of his energy to Spanish sports, as a way of showing gratitude and also an opportunity to have more memories with the Roland Garros court that has been associated with his two-decade empire.

Fate has made Nadal fall into a difficult draw, meeting top seed Novak Djokovic in the second round. A month ago, the "King of Clay" was also unlucky to draw fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the first round of Roland Garros and lost in three sets. That defeat showed that Nadal is no longer capable of competing at the top, but has not completely lost himself.

In his Olympic opening match against Marton Fucsovics, Nadal played well in the first set, dominating the match. But he could not maintain the pace in the second set because of his declining fitness. Nadal's problem over the past two years has been his fitness. He has become slower and weaker, and that has affected both his attack and defense. Fortunately for the Spanish representative, Fucsovics is also not in good form and playing on a poor surface.

Nadal celebrates a winning point in the match against Fucsovics, at Philippe Chatrier stadium, Paris on July 28. Photo: Reuters

Another positive point for Nadal in recent days is his good form in doubles. While many people thought that Alcaraz would "carry the team", it was Nadal who played better than his junior to contribute greatly to the overall victory in the opening round. That helped to encourage the spirit of an icon who seemed to have passed his prime due to constant injuries over the past two years.

Playing Djokovic in the men's singles at this time is a big challenge for any top 10 player and even more so for someone outside the top 200 like Nadal. Will his forehand spin still be enough to eliminate Nole? Or can his cross-court backhand counterattack overcome the speed and flexibility at the back of the Serbian rival? Those are the big doubts for the "King of Clay" before this afternoon's match on Philippe Chatrier court - the court that has witnessed great moments every time they met.

Djokovic defeated Nadal in the semi-finals of Roland Garros 2021, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 before winning the title. But Djokovic's most recent loss to Nadal was also in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros 2022. Nadal won after four sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4), then went straight to his 22nd and perhaps final Grand Slam title. "Nadal's problem now is that he can't show his full potential because his body doesn't allow it," legend Mats Wilander commented while working at the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic is not himself either. The Grand Slam record holder has gone eight months without a trophy, making for one of the worst seasons of his career. He has not beaten a top 10 player since the start of the year. He has only reached one final, Wimbledon, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in three sets. Like Nadal, Djokovic's fitness is an issue, having just undergone knee surgery.

But on the scale, Djokovic is still healthy, flexible and in much better form than Nadal. Djokovic's solid, versatile style of play will be a difficult problem for Nadal in their 60th match. In the match against Fucsovics, Nadal was almost helpless every time his opponent dropped a ball. He also no longer had the speed to run continuously between the two ends of the court to save the ball. Djokovic will certainly exploit these weaknesses to wear down his opponent's physical strength, in the context that he has the advantage of a day off and plays the opening match like a practice session.

Djokovic serves during the match against Ebden, at Philippe Chatrier Stadium, Paris on July 27. Photo: Reuters

Nadal meeting Djokovic in the second round of a tournament is rare. But it is still a special match, as they are the owners of a combined 46 Grand Slams and 76 Masters 1000s. Only one will continue his Olympic journey after this match, with the heavier psychological pressure on Djokovic. He is the favorite, chasing the dream of a gold medal, while Nadal will play with nothing to lose.

Nadal's biggest motivation is probably to prevent his rival from winning the only title he has yet to win, or at least to make it difficult for Djokovic to get fit and open up opportunities for other Spaniards in the later rounds. Nadal is also aiming to level the head-to-head record at 30-30, thus ending two decades of rivalry with his rival with a draw.

"I always hope, believe and will do my best," Nadal said about the match against Djokovic in an interview after the first round. Meanwhile, the number one seed also affirmed his determination to bring glory to Serbia. Djokovic said: "The scene like when I was young with Nadal is coming back. I am really excited and will try to go as far as possible."