Olympics 2024: This will probably be one last dance for both of us – Novak Djokovic on potential second round matchup against Rafael Nadal

Veteran Novak Djokovic admitted the second round potential match against Rafael Nadal could be one last dance for both of them. Djokovic and Nadal have shared an epic rivalry on the court for more than 15 years.

If Nadal and Djokovic win their respective first round matches of the Paris Olympics, they will take on each other in the second round. 

Nadal, who hasn’t played consistently on the tour for the last 18 months, recently made it to the Bastad final but lost to Nuno Borges in straight sets. Djokovic, on the other hand, made it to Wimbledon final but suffered a straight set loss against Carlos Alcaraz.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously he (Nadal) hasn’t played much and his ranking drops. So, you know, there’s always going to be that possibility of meeting him in early rounds and there we go, you know, it’s going to be a spectacle. Definitely, if we get to meet, expect some fireworks on the court. Like the good old times. I hope we get to meet because there will probably be one last dance for both of us,” Djokovic told Access Hollywood in an interview.

“Yeah. No, no. All the respect to Rafa, of course, he’s just, he was injured and everything, but he’s always the king of clay and what he’s done here in Roland Garros is unprecedented. So I can’t wait to step on the court with everyone is so excited for it,” Nadal added.

Meanwhile, Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other on 59 occasions, with the latter winning 30 whereas the former has won 29 matches. The Serb is happy to be in Paris and he is looking forward to the Games.

“I mean, look, the Olympic Games are the oldest and most important historical sports event in the history of sport, right? So all the best athletes and all the sports of the world, over 10,000 athletes are taking part in the Olympics, dreaming to be just part of the Olympics to qualify for the Olympics to represent their country, the greatest honor. Some of the sports, some of the athletes have to wait for three years for a big competition, which is the Olympics.”