Novak Djokovic goes past Rafael Nadal to enter third round at Paris Olympics

Top seed Novak Djokovic went past Rafael Nadal by 6-1, 6-4 to enter the third round of the ongoing Paris Olympics on Monday. Djokovic was able to break Nadal’s serve in the second game of the opening set and from there on dominated the set.

The Serb kept his momentum and quickly raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set. However, Nadal was never going to throw in the towel, especially while playing at his kingdom, Court Phillipe-Chatrier. 

The Spaniard bounced back as he broke Djokovic’s serve twice to level at 4-4. But the 22-time Grand Slam could not hold his serve in the ninth game and then Djokovic held his serve to advance at the prestigious games.

“Back in 2006, I don’t think we would have thought we would be playing against each other on the same court at the Olympics,” Djokovic said. “So I think we will appreciate this match very much. I think our rivalry and I think for the sport itself. I think there was a lot of attention and interest directed from sports towards us. It is unfortunate for him that he wasn’t at his best, but I did everything I could to make him feel uncomfortable.”

The Serbian admitted he became a bit too comfortable when he was leading by 4-0 in the second set and Nadal took advantage.

“At 6-1, 4-0, I got a little bit too comfortable,” Djokovic said. “At 4-1 I played a little sloppy service game and you can’t give any chances to Nadal because he is going to use them and comeback. Especially on this court. The crowd getting involved but it was a crucial game at 4-4, trying to break his serve and then serve against the wind with new balls.

With this win, Djokovic improved his H2H record against Nadal by 31-29.