Novak Djokovic outclassed his long-time rival Rafael Nadal to win their Olympic second-round match and proceed his bid to land an elusive gold medal.
Serbia’s Djokovic, 37, appeared on a unique degree to Nadal for many of a one-sided contest which he gained 6-1 6-4 on the Roland Garros clay.
Djokovic led 4-0 within the second set to quell the partisan assist for the Spaniard, earlier than 38-year-old Nadal fought again to wipe out the double break.
However Djokovic, like we’ve got seen him achieve this many instances, stepped on the gasoline once more to interrupt for 5-4 and serve out victory.
“I am very relieved,” stated Djokovic. “Every part was going my method, I used to be 6-1, 4-0 up however I performed a sloppy service sport and gave him possibilities.”
Nadal, often known as the King of Clay, has gained 14 French Open titles on the Olympic venue however the aura he carries there was not sufficient to bother a person of Djokovic’s high quality.
The pair, who’ve gained 46 Grand Slam singles titles between them, shared an embrace on the internet earlier than Djokovic sportingly clapped Nadal off the court docket.
It was the sixtieth assembly of their enduring rivalry – no two males have ever performed one another extra.
After first assembly in 2006, Djokovic now leads 31-29 of their face to face.
“I by no means thought again in 2006 that we would nonetheless be taking part in one another nearly 20 years later,” Djokovic stated.