Two of the most unforgettable matches I ever saw were at Olympic tennis.
The first that comes to mind was the 2004 doubles gold medal match in Athens. The German team of Rainer Schuettler and Nicolas Kiefer had four gold medal points vs. the Chilean duo of Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez at 6-2 in the fourth set tiebreaker. But somehow the magical Chileans fought back and saved those four gold medal points and won the tiebreaker and then the fifth set to win the first Olympic gold medal in the history of Chile.
The second match that comes to mind was the first round clash of titans in 2016 in Rio, which showcased Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin Del Potro. It was an incredibly high level slugfest duel eventually won by the Argentine 76 76. It was such an emotional, hard fought battle that when it was over BOTH combatants were in tears on the court. It’s the only time I ever saw both winner and loser crying on court.
There have been other Olympic tennis masterpieces:
Serena Williams annihilated Maria Sharapova in the 2012 singles final 60 61.
Novak Djokovic destroyed Andy Roddick also in 2012 by the score of 62 61. Roddick later said Novak, “Djokovic beat me like a drum.”
The combination of playing tennis for your country at the Olympics for gold, silver or bronze medals inspires something different in professional tennis players and thus we see a different flavor, tension, and energy in the matches.
This year’s Olympics draws are certain to deliver more magical moments. Novak Djokovic is slated to meet Rafael Nadal in the second round however Nadal suddenly has claimed a thigh injury after the draw was released and his coach Moya is saying Rafa may not play singles but only doubles with Carlos Alcaraz. Looks like another duck move by Nadal to avoid a potential traumatizing blowout loss to his arch rival.
Djokovic is ready to rumble with Rafa: “It’s gonna be a spectacle if we get to meet. Expect some fireworks on court, like the good old times…I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for both of us.”
Andy Murray dropped out of singles and will play doubles with Dan Evans in what will be his final professional tournament: “Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament Olympics. Competing for Great Britain have been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to get do it one final time!”
Angelique Kerber will also retire after the Olympics. “The finish line. Before the Olympics begin, l can already say that I will never forget Paris 2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player. And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way. Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and l’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me. The Olympics l have participated in so far, have been more than just competitions as they represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player: the climb, the peak… and now, the finish line. The Olympics in London 2012 came at a time, when I had my breakthrough season on the WTA Tour. I was climbing the rankings steadily and every win helped me overcome my doubts and strengthened my self-belief. It all felt like new beginnings and I was carried by excitement to new heights. The year before, in 2011, I had almost turned my back on tennis and given up on my childhood dreams. When I arrived at the Olympics in Rio 2016, I had just won my first Grand Slam title in Australia at the beginning of the year. My silver medal run was embedded in a rush of emotions that led to my second Grand Slam title in New York and the top of the rankings. The descent in the following year was hurtful, but I learned my lesson and Wimbledon 2018 was my biggest reward. And now: Paris 2024 will mark the finish line of the most incredible journey I could have ever dreamed of growing up with a racquet in my hand. There are many more things I want to say and people to thank, which I will do once I completed my last match…but for now, I will take the time and soak up every second of this final episode on court. Thank you all for your support – it means the world to me.”
The best first round duels: Nishikori vs. Draper, Monfils vs. Musetti, Tsitsipas vs Bergs, Deminaur vs Struff, Felix vs Giron, Kerber vs Osaka. Olympic play begins on Saturday from Roland Garros.
Alexander Zverev · Iga Swiatek · Novak Djokovic · Olympic Games · Rafael Nadal
