Djokovic Didn't Expect Rivality With Nadal To End: 18 Years Passed Fast

Novak Djokovic, his rivalry will end with Rafael Nadal (Instagram/@djokernole).

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic has just beaten his arch-enemy, Rafael Nadal, in the second round of the men's singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The victory still keeps his dream of winning the Olympic gold medal for the first time in his professional tennis career.

However, on the one hand, Djokovic is saddened that his rivalry with Nadal in the match is likely to be the last after nearly 20 years of dueling, to be exact 18 years.

Djokovic and Nadal's meeting in the second round of the 2024 Olympics has clashed their 60th throughout their eternal rivalry. No two players have ever faced each other more than this.

Both players dominated the Grand Slam title throughout history. Djokovic packed 24 trophies, while Nadal had 22 titles.

Djokovic is still the ruler of the Grand Slam Australian Open with 10 trophies. Then, Nadal holds the record for the most Grand Slam Roland Garros (France Open) with 14 trophies so that he is nicknamed the King of Tanah Lihat.

The Serbian still holds a record meeting over Spain. Since the first meeting in 2006, Djokovic has won 31-29.

"I never thought in 2006 that we would still face each other almost 20 years later," said Djokovic.

Meanwhile, Djokovic now longs for his first gold medal at the Olympics. He had knee surgery eight weeks ago before reaching the 2024 Wimbledon final.

You could say showing its highest level this season to make a quick start that rocked Rafael Nadal, the 2008 gold medalist.

Shifting to Nadal, he returned to Roland Garros where he had a metal statue of respect for his achievements.

Djokovic's defeat did not end his journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is still driving in doubles with Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal is eyeing his second Olympic gold medal in the men's doubles after winning it at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Nadal has barely played in the last two seasons at Roland Garros due to injury. Last year hinted that he would retire at the end of the 2024 season.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be the last stage to spread before separating from the world that made his name.

Although the former world number one said he wanted to continue playing as long as his body allowed him, it could be that meeting Djokovic was the last time he played singles at Roland Garros.

Whatever happens, it is likely that Djokovic and Nadal will never again renew their competition on competitive fields.