Rafael Nadal produced another one of his famous deadpan replies when asked about Novak Djokovic’s “last dance” comment ahead of their Paris Olympics meeting while he also played down his chances of victory.
The two tennis greats produced contrasting opening-round wins at Paris 2024 to set up a clash at Roland Garros in what will be their 60th meeting at the top level.
Djokovic leads their head-to-head 30-29 and there are many who believe the second-round Olympic encounter could be their last-ever match with both in the latter stages of their glorious careers.
Ahead of the opening weekend of the Paris Games, Djokovic was asked about a potential meeting with Nadal and said: “We’ll spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times.
“I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for both of us.”
After beating Matthew Ebden from Australia in straight sets, Djokovic then added: “If we get to face each other, it’s going to be possibly the last time we’re going to face each other on a big stage. So I’m sure people would enjoy it.”
Nadal was then asked “Ready for a potential last dance with Djokovic? Are you ready for it?”
And he replied with a blunt question: “Who says it’s [the] last dance?”
The Spaniard came through a tough assignment on Sunday as he went the distance before beating Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
But he did have some kind words about his upcoming meeting with his great rival, but he declared Djokovic the favourite as he has struggled the past two years.
“Of course it’s beautiful to play against one of the two biggest rivals that I had in my career, especially on this court,” the 22-time Grand Slam winner said.
“But situations are completely different for him, for me. He’s being very competitive. I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in that case, I think probably he is the clear favourite. I’m going to try my best to bring the best to the court and then let’s see how far I can go and how many problems I can create [for] him.”
Nadal has played very little tennis this year due to his injury woes although he did finish runner-up to Nuno Borges at the Swedish Open last week while Djokovic’s most-recent outing before the Olympics was a run to the final at Wimbledon where he lost against Carlos Alcaraz.
“Monday is another story, another kind of opponent,” Nadal said. “Of course we are in different situations in our careers. His moment and my moment. He’s coming from being in the final of a Grand Slam. I’m coming without being very competitive for the last three years. So let’s see. It’s in a special place.
