The two-time Olympic tennis gold medallist, Rafael Nadal has crashed out in the second round of the singles competition at Paris 2024.
Nadal lost 1-6, 4-6 to his arch-rival Novak Djokovic in two straight sets at Philippe-Chatrier on Monday.
The Serb was in devastating form in their 60th head-to-head clash, steamrolling Nadal at his spiritual home of Stade Roland Garros where he had won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.
But the enviable record could not save him against the force of Djokovic, who drew first blood.
Djokovic’s complete dismantling of Nadal would serve as sweet payback for the pain the Spanish superstar had inflicted upon him at past Olympics.
The Spaniard beat Djokovic in the semi-finals at Beijing 2008 en route to singles gold and then won the men’s doubles at Rio 2016.
Spectators were treated to a clash of the two titans of the sport in the second round of the tournament as Djokovic was looking for his first Olympic gold and Nadal was bidding for his third.
