"I don't know how Rafael Nadal feels but let's hope" - Novak Djokovic hungers for more battles with Spaniard after Paris Olympics battle

After facing off against Rafael Nadal for the 60th time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic stated his hope for their rivalry to continue. The Serb defeated the Spaniard 6-1, 6-4, in a match that lasted for an hour and 43 minutes.

A highly anticipated showdown was set up after the World No. 2 cruised past Matthew Ebden, while the World No. 161 emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Marton Fucsovics in their respective first-round matches.

Dominating the opening set and much of the second, the 37-year-old raced to a commanding 6-1, 4-0 lead. However, Nadal staged a remarkable comeback to level the set at 4-4. Ultimately, the 24-time Major champion broke back and served out the match, extending his lead in their legendary rivalry to 31-29.

After the match, Djokovic spoke about his 'special' rivalry with Nadal and wished for a few more battles. The 37-year old Djokovic said that games between the two of them would have the sport in general.

"There's no other rivalry in the history of tennis that's had 60 matches between the two players. So I think that itself makes it very, very unique and very special," he said.

"I just hope for the sake of our rivalry and the sport in general that we'll get to face each other once or maybe a few times, on different surfaces, in different parts of the world, because I feel like it can only benefit the sport,” he added.

Djokovic said that he was unaware of the Spaniard's plans going forward, but reiterated his wish to play against him on a few more occasions.

“I don't know how he feels in his body, what his plans are, but let's hope we can play some more," he stated.

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"I think we both want to play in the Grand Slams and the biggest tournaments" - Novak Djokovic on the factors that will determine his next duel with Rafael Nadal

Djokovic and Nadal sharing an embrace after their duel (Image source: GETTY)

While expressing a desire for more matches against Rafael Nadal, Djokovic acknowledged that numerous factors would influence the possibility of their future encounters. The Serb highlighted the necessity of both players continuing their careers and competing in the same tournaments as key determinants.

"We don't know that. It really depends on many different factors," he said.

"I mean, it depends on whether both of us will keep going or whether we're going to participate in the same tournaments or not. I think we both want to play in the Grand Slams and the biggest tournaments. I don't know. We'll probably be very selective."

Djokovic's Olympic dream will continue as he will face Germany's Dominik Koepfer in the next round. The Serb prevailed in their lone encounter between the two.