Rafael Nadal has shed light on his body struggles after reaching the second round of the men’s singles event at the Olympics. The Spaniard battled for more than two-and-a-half hours to beat Marton Fucsovics 6-1 4-6 6-4.
He has been rewarded with a mouthwatering showdown with his long-time rival Novak Djokovic. It will be their 60th meeting and comes more than two years after they last faced off in the 2022 French Open quarter-final.
Nadal was emotional as he reflected on his victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier – the most important stage in his career – and previewed his clash with Djokovic.
There were concerns that Nadal wouldn’t even play his singles match on Sunday. His coach Carlos Moya raised fears earlier in the week after Nadal cancelled a practice session. The 38-year-old then claimed it was “outrageous” he was scheduled in the day session after finishing a doubles match on Saturday night.
But he kept himself in the draw and managed to battle for three sets to beat Hungary’s Fucsovics. Discussing his physical state after the match, Nadal said: “Well, I’m facing my body. As good as I can? It’s not easy, but if there’s a place that you have to give it your all, then it’s here.
It was a long match but at the same time, it was a good test. The good thing is, I was able to play at a good level of tennis for a while, so that always gives me hope, and then the negative stuff is I was not able to hold that great level. So let’s see tomorrow, another story and another kind of opponent.
Turning his attention to his next match and his long-standing rival, Nadal continued: “[We are in] different situations in our careers. He’s coming from being in the final of a Grand Slam, and I’m coming without being very competitive in the last two years. Let’s see, it’s in a special place. I’m just going to try to give my best and enjoy it as much as possible.
“It has always been super special to play against Novak. No doubt about that, but the difference is normally we have been playing for finals or semi-finals but, this is the second round. Of course, it’s the Olympics, every match is super special playing in the Olympics. But it’s true that every single match I played against Novak, or almost every single match I played against him, I was in a different situation than I am today, so that makes it much more difficult for me. I’m more unpredictable now, but I always have hope, I always believe, and I want to give my best.
The Olympics is extra special for Nadal this year as the tennis event is being played at Stade Roland Garros. The Spaniard has won 14 of his 22 overall Major titles at the French Open. He lost in the first round of this year’s clay-court Grand Slam but he redeemed himself by winning in the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz and in the singles against Fucsovics.
It has always been special, during all my tennis career. Every moment that I was able to play on this court has been special by itself,” he added.
“Of course, I know that it’s maybe the last time that I will play here. Maybe not. I can’t confirm that because I don’t know. I really feel very loved from the French crowd and I enjoy the fact that I’m able to keep playing [at] this age and have these unforgettable feelings on court, feeling the support and the love of the people.”
