Rafael Nadal sets up blockbuster Novak Djokovic clash No. 60 at Paris Olympics 2024

Rafael Nadal powered through his opening-round clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, beating Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6. The Spaniard is now set for a blockbuster battle with arch-rival and No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic in the second round.

Nadal came into the clash with a lot of doubt, complaining about the hectic scheduling at the Olympics. For the record, the former World No. 1 was in action at the night session on Day 1 with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, and had to return for his singles the following afternoon.

"I don't know if I'll play tomorrow, I have to evaluate it with my team. Sometimes less is more," Nadal said.

"Do I play at 2:00 p.m.? I don't understand the schedule, it seems outrageous to me when I'm playing tomorrow at two o'clock. I don't know, I'll have to go back to the village and talk to the team, I'll make the decision that I think is most appropriate to have a chance of getting results for Spain," he added.

However, the Mallorcan confirmed on the day that he would be available to play. Against the Hungarian on Court Philippe-Chartrier, he started strong, taking the opening set 6-1. In the second set, however, Fucsovics roared back, breaking early for a 3-1 lead. Although Nadal eventually managed to restore parity, his final service game ended up being broken, handing Fucsovics the set 6-4.

In the third set, it was the 22-time Grand Slam champion drew first blood, going 3-2 up and then consolidating at 4-2. From there, he held on, taking the match 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 after nearly two and a half hours of play.

In his opener, Djokovic took down Matthew Ebden, winning 6-0, 6-1. The battle at the Paris Olympics will mark the 60th meeting between him and the Spaniard in history, with the head-to-head currently 30-29 in Djokovic's favor. In their most recent battle, it was Nadal who prevailed, beating the Serb in the quarterfinals of the 2022 French Open in four sets on his way to the title.

"I'm ready" - Novak Djokovic on facing Rafael Nadal at Paris Olympics

Tennis - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 1 - Source: Getty

Speaking to press after his opening round-win, Novak Djokovic touched on his potential clash with Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympics, stating that he was ready for his 'last dance' with the Spaniard.

"It's one of the matches or one of the events I guess that a lot of people at the Olympics in Paris this year are looking forward to. When the draw came out, we knew that there is a high probability that it might happen, so I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to our last dance so to say, possibly on this court," Djokovic said.

The winner of the clash is likely to take on 14th seed Arthur Fils in the third round next.