Novak Djokovic has been called out for hitting back at the Paris crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier after eliminating long-time rival Rafa Nadal at the Olympics. Djokovic and Nadal reignited their storied tennis rivalry at the Olympics in the 60th meeting, but the No.1 seed was way too strong for the Spaniard having won 6-1, 6-4.
The contest looked to be heading towards an ugly scoreline for Nadal at the Olympics after he narrowly avoided a ‘bagel’ in the first set. Djokovic looked to repeat the feats of the first, but Nadal found some fight in the second and the surge from the crowd helped him mount a mini comeback from 2-4 down as he broke Djokovic twice to level the scores.
The crowd chanted ‘Rafa’ as he battled back on a court he has seen so much success on. Although his comeback was quickly halted as Djokovic held serve and broke the Spaniard to advance to the third round and continue his quest for Olympic gold.
Djokovic was slowly becoming frustrated during the match as the crowd continuously cheered for his rival. After Nadal broke him the first time, Djokovic took notice of the crowd as they applauded a double fault on break point. And after he won the fifth game, to serve for the match, Djokovic walked over to his chair and gestured at his ear.
The World No.2 was suggesting he couldn’t hear the crowd anymore after supporters in Philippe Chatrier went silent as the result became clear. Djokovic and Nadal embraced at the net after the match, before Djokovic revived his Wimbledon celebration as he played the violin with his racquet to his daughter. Although many fans feel the violin celebration doesn’t help him with the fans.
And while Djokovic was the better player in the second round against his great rival, fans were left unimpressed by a number of his antics during the match. While Djokovic was clearly not the fan favourite on court many felt the Serbian didn’t need to taunt the crowd in what could have been Nadal’s final singles game of his career. Nadal has not confirmed he retirement, but it might have been his last appearance on the court where he has won 14 grand slam titles.
Rafa Nadal addresses retirement talk after Olympics
The manner in which Nadal was defeated on his favourite surface certainly prompted questions over whether this would be his last singles match. Nadal is still in the doubles draw with Carlos Alcaraz and is hoping to medal for his country.
However, the Spaniard was quick to shut down talks of retirement so quickly after his loss to Djokovic. “I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be or not going to be my last match. I come here. I try my best. I play,” he said. “And when I decide to stop playing or when I decide to keep going, I will let you know.
