For many tennis fans, the Olympics was a prime opportunity to see some great tennis. When Rafa confirmed his presence, most would have thought, "imagine a Djoker and Rafa final?" This only issue, it's 2024. As both stars battle father time, this second round match had the potential to be the event of the entire Olympics. Novak had other plans.
Both Players Coming into Paris
Novak was in a weird spot, after a disappointing final at Wimbledon and a knee that had more questions than answers, people weren't really sure what to expect from Novak. However, all tennis fans know that when expectations are low for Nole, the danger meter rises.
Rafa, similar to Novak, nursing injuries but with even more uncertainty. With his foot being the main concern, he also has his quad heavily wrapped. What we know for certain? Both guys are not getting any younger.
The Match
Yes, Rafa did miss a bit more than usual at the start, but that's what playing Novak does to people. Novak will never really bomb anyone off the court; however, it will be death by 1000 cuts. At this point in Rafa's career, it's very difficult for Rafa to endure that type of suffering, albeit his willingness. However, once the second started, you had a feeling that Rafa was going to ramp things up. Even though the second set got off to an ugly start, Rafa started Rafa-ing.
Set 2 was more of the same, until it wasn’t. What makes Rafa special is his competitiveness. He will fight until the end, no matter the circumstances. Rafa has barely played any tennis in the last two years, and pushed the world number 1 to the brink. He stayed calm and poised and never quit. Ultimately, Novak was the better player today.
Takeaways
Novak was looking for blood. It is the only thing he is yet to accomplish in his illustrious career. He wants the gold in Paris, and he will die trying. Novak has had some matches in the last year where he looked disengaged, do not expect any of that in Paris for the Serb.
Rafa fought hard, at no point did Rafa ever concede. This may not sound like a big deal but, at a break down in the second set, he could have cashed in and folded. If there is one thing to know about the Great Rafael Nadal, you better kill him when you have the chance, just ask Daniil Medvedev. It genuinely felt like Rafa was going to take the second set. Rafa fought hard but after being broken at 4-4 in the second, that was all she wrote.
This should be a very positive sign for Rafa and Novak fans. Novak is motivated, his knee is holding up well on the clay and he aint interested in a silver medal. For Rafa fans, it showed he is willing and able to keep fighting, that he enjoys the grind still and that he still wants to be out there, competing. Make no mistake though, this match will take some time for Rafa to get over, he fully expected to win here.
While you hope this isn’t goodbye for Rafa and the red clay of Roland Garros, it very well could be and if it is, we only have one choice; don't cry because it's over smile because it happened.
