Djokovic relieved after overcoming Nadal at the Olympic Games: “You can't give Nadal any chances”

Novak Djokovic admitted feeling relieved after overcoming the second round of the Olympic Games against Rafael Nadal with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory. It was a particularly tough draw for the Serb, who had to face the 14-time Roland Garros champion in just the second round of the tournament.

The world No. 2 started strong, comfortably winning the first set after securing two consecutive breaks, leading 5-0. Although Nadal managed to hold his serve once, Djokovic closed the set 6-1.

In the second set, Nole was once again impeccable with his returns. He gained two early breaks, taking a 4-0 lead. Nadal rallied to win four consecutive games and level the set at 4-4. However, it was not enough against Nole, who secured another break and finally sealed his victory 6-1, 6-4 after one hour and 44 minutes.

After the match against his eternal rival, Djokovic confessed to Eurosport his relief at overcoming the challenge posed by Nadal, especially after the Spaniard's small comeback in the second set. For the Serb, maintaining his concentration was crucial to staying focused on the match, particularly given the Philippe Chatrier court setting, with much of the support for Nadal.

"I'm very relieved because everything seemed to be going my way at 6-1 and 4-0, maybe I felt too comfortable at that moment. At 4-1 I played a regular serve. You can't give Nadal any chances because he'll take them, he'll get back into the match, especially on this court with the crowd involved," the world No. 2 said.

"It was very tough, the crucial game at 4-4, the last game with used balls and trying to break his serve and then serve with new balls. I did well on my last two serves, but it was a very, very close match, especially in the second set. I'm very happy with the level at which I played," he added.

In the third round of the tournament, Nole still awaits his opponent, who will be decided between Dominik Koepfer or Matteo Arnaldi. For now, Djokovic continues his pursuit of the gold medal, the only title that remains elusive in his career.