Rafael Nadal beats Márton Fucsovics, to face Novak Djokovic next at Olympics

Posted by author July 28, 2024 Tennis

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PARIS − The rivalry that has defined the last decade of men’s tennis will add one more chapter, Olympic style.

After coming through a tight three-setter over Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics on Sunday, Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic for the 60th time in their careers.

It’s only a second-round match at the Paris Olympics. But the implications will reverberate around the globe.

Nadal, 38, is clearly nearing the end of his career. For two full years, he has struggled just to get on the court − and, yes, pointed to the Olympics here at Roland Garros, where he won the French Open 14 times, as part of his motivation to keep going. Even here, he has been battling some kind of leg injury, showing up with a heavy strapping on his right thigh. It was uncertain he’d even play singles until after his warm-up Sunday morning.

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Djokovic, too, has had an injury-plagued season − but has also had his sights set on Olympic gold for many years. It’s the one big prize in tennis that has eluded the 24-time Grand Slam champion. And at 37 years old, it may well be his last chance to do it for Serbia.

Nadal, who won the gold medal in 2008, is clearly the underdog here. His 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Fucsovics was more evidence that he’s far from the force of nature that has won 22 Grand Slam titles, struggling with dips in energy, a shaky serve and groundstrokes that don’t consistently dictate play the way they once did.

But he had enough to get through this first-round test. And on the court where he’s experienced his greatest success, maybe he’ll have enough in the tank for one more special performance.

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