Rafael Nadal hints potential Novak Djokovic match won’t be last

Rafael Nadal is at the fag end of his career and had earlier hinted that 2024 will be his final season on the tour. As Nadal could face his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics, many fans and pundits believe that this could be the ‘Last Dance’ for the iconic duo.

However, Nadal hinted that the potential matchup might not be the last. The Spaniard at the same time, also feels that the duo could be facing each other on the big stage for the one final time.

Meanwhile, Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other on 59 occasions, with the latter winning 30 whereas the former has won 29 matches. 

“Who say that’s last dance?” he said.

Nadal will take on Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the opening round at Paris on Sunday but earlier said he would take a call on his participation after a discussion with his team, following the doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday.

According to The Associated Press, Nadal said: “I don’t know if I’m going to play or not.”

On the other hand, Novak Djokovic is looking forward to facing Rafael Nadal for the 60th time in his career.

“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.

“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.”

While Nadal is a two-time Gold medallist in the Olympics, Djokovic has won a solitary Bronze medal.