Paris Olympics 2024: Djokovic Beats Nadal In 2nd Round - In Pics

Novak Djokovic dominated rival Rafael Nadal at the start, then held off a comeback attempt to win 6-1, 6-4 at the Paris Olympics in the second round Monday, the 60th — and likely last — head-to-head matchup between the two tennis greats. Djokovic claimed 10 of the initial 11 games, with Nadal nowhere near the skilled and ever-hustling version of himself that won a record 14 French Open trophies on the same red clay at Roland Garros that is hosting Summer Games matches. Instead, Nadal was diminished, showing every bit of his 38 years, and looking like someone who might be ready to head into retirement after playing only sparingly the past two seasons because of a series of injuries, including hip surgery.

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Updated on: 29 July 2024 8:33 pm

Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Rafael Nadal | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Spain's Rafael Nadal in their men's singles second round match at the Roland Garros stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Novak Djokovic dominated rival Rafael Nadal to win 6-1, 6-4 at the Paris Olympics in the second round.

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Rafael Nadal leaves after losing to Novak Djokovic | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Spain's Rafael Nadal leaves the court after losing to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their men's singles second round match at the Roland Garros stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

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Novak Djokovic hugs Rafael Nadal | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, hugs Spain's Rafael Nadal after their men's singles second round match at the Roland Garros stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

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Rafael Nadal jumps to return the ball | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Spain's Rafael Nadal jumps to return the ball to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Supporters of Serbia's Novak Djokovic | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Supporters of Serbia's Novak Djokovic wave flags in the stands as he plays Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Supporters of Spain's Rafael Nadal | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Supporters of Spain's Rafael Nadal use fans as he plays Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Novak Djokovic | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Spain's Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Rafael Nadal | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Rafael Nadal slams a forehand to Serbia's Novak Djokovic | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Spain's Rafael Nadal slams a forehand to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.

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Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Rafael Nadal | Photo: AP/Andy Wong

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles second round match at the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France.