Novak Djokovic was tennis perfection for a set and a half. Then the second best player of all time Rafael Nadal awakened with a surge of his own special greatness to fight back from 16 04 to 44.
Djokovic steadied his nerves and focus and broke Rafa on his fourth break point for 54 and then finished the job for 64. Djokovic advances to the third round, Nadal now directs all his energies to the doubles.
The Serbian kingpin was stunning for the first 11 games, dominating his ultimate rival in their first duel since 2022 on the same court (won by Nadal in four sets). But then the match flow changed and Rafa willed himself back into the battle, like a heavyweight champion picking himself up off the canvas after being hit and decked with a ten punch combination.
Or was it also a combination of Djokovic showing Nadal mercy and respect, with an ulterior motive to inject him with some confidence, to keep him from retiring from the sport at age 38? Because no opponent can inspire and motivate Djokovic to play at his highest level like Rafa and Federer, who quit two years ago.
Djokovic regained control of the match when it mattered the most and eliminated Nadal 61 64. The two embraced at the net. It was the 60th time they competed against each other as professionals and possibly the final act of the most compelling rivalry in sports history. Djokovic now leads the head to head series 31-29.
Tennis is a combination of love and hate and this was beautifully exhibited today by the two finest champions in the history of this amazing sport of racquets, red clay, a ball and net.
Notes: “I did everything possible to make him uncomfortable on the court,” Djokovic said after… Both players actually looked and played like they were ten years younger, it was a high quality match that looked like so many of their others since 2006 but Djokovic has finally solved the Rafa puzzle on clay… Nadal was grunting and growling from the first game of the match, an indication that he played this bout as if every ball was a match point. The first time they ever played was on Chatrier in 2006 which Rafa won and afterwards Novak made some comments that he felt he was in control of the match despite the bad score and he was roundly criticized for his unrealistic analysis but that analysis looked true today as Novak did control the match like the matador dominating a raging bull. Djokovic always believed he had the attributes, physicality, skills and intelligence to dominate Rafa on clay and he proved it today.
Novak Djokovic · Olympics · Rafael Nadal
Cory · July 29, 2024 at 11:54 am
Great match. I had big coin on Nadal but it wasn’t to be.
Scoop, left turn, but any commentary on the opening [satanic] ceremony at the Olypmics this year? Is there any line these globalists won’t cross? They absolutely want to destroy the fabrics of all that is good and godly. And I assure you that I am NOT religious at all, and that was the most flagrant display of anti-humanism that I can recall. Sorry if this puts you on any kind of spot, if so just delete this as it is not quite tennis-related. But to be honest I am having a hard time following the Olympic scores in good consciousness because of that appalling display.
Scoop Malinowski · July 29, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Cory, it’s tennis related now because that satanic ritual anti Christ mockery was on the Olympic stage. It was produced by a gay jew named Tom Jolly, Globalists are anti Christ satanists, we are in a spiritual war Good vs evil. I think the end times are near. Surprised you had such confidence in Rafa today, thought it was going to be one sided which it was, except for some mercy (subconscious mercy?) from Novak. to not humiliate his greatest rival who he does not want to see retired just yet. Playing Rafa inspires Novak more so than Carlos and the other young guns. After today, will you ever bet on Rafa against Djokovic again? )
Sam · July 29, 2024 at 4:01 pm
Absolutely disgusting about the satanic rituals. 🤮 Glad I’m not watching any of the Olympics.
Just curious, Scoop—do you think Djokovic can go very far?
Scoop Malinowski · July 29, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Sam I feel the same way, the satanic evil act was a horror show. only watching Novak play, yes i think he can win it. Carlos will be tough and there will be surprises as there always are in the Olympics tennis. I liked what Novak showed today.