By Jorge Hernandez
29 Jul 2024, 16:55 PM EDT
The Serbian Novak Djokovicthat He won the duel with ease second round of the individual Olympic tournament against Rafael Nadalin another chapter of the greatest rivalry in the history of tenniscongratulated himself on the victory and for having calmed the reaction of the Spaniard, who he regretted did not face the commitment in his best moment.
“I think that We will appreciate this match very much, for the sport itself, for our rivalry. It raised a lot of interest and attention from other sports towards us.It’s a shame that Nadal hasn’t been at his best”I did everything I could to make him uncomfortable,” Djokovic said.
They have been rivals for many years. They have played 60 matches together. “In 2006, when it all started, I don’t think we thought we would be playing against each other on the same court at these Olympic Games,” he said.
Novak Djokovic continued his quest for an elusive first gold medal at the Paris Olympics when He defeated his long-time rival Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner feared a reaction from Nadal when he was leading 4-0 and the Balearic player woke up and went 4-4 up and was close to taking the lead. Djokovic admits that he relaxed.
“At 6-1 and 4-0 I felt too comfortable,” said Djokovic. “At 4-1 I played a bit of a sloppy serve and you can’t give Nadal any chances because he’ll take them and come back. Especially on this court. The crowd got involved, but it was a crucial game at 4-4,” explained the Balkan native.
“It was a very close match, but I am very satisfied. “The way I played,” said Djokovic, who was relieved to seal the victory.
“I feel very relieved. At first everything was going the way I wanted, but You can’t give Nadal just one chance because things can change. It was difficult, but in the end I was fine. But Rafa was close,” he said.
“Rafa deserves great respect alwayse. Before this match I felt great energy and I am proud to be in this very special moment. It didn’t seem like a second round, it seemed like a final.“Djokovic concluded.
*With information from EFE.
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