Epic Showdown: Djokovic vs Nadal Set for Paris Olympics Clash

Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic will face off against 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal in a highly anticipated second-round match at the Paris Olympics. Their 60th ATP head-to-head clash is set for Monday on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic is poised to battle 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in a much-awaited second-round match at the Paris Olympics on Monday. The contest is scheduled to commence at approximately 5:00 PM IST.

This meeting on Court Philippe-Chatrier will be the record-extending 60th ATP head-to-head clash between these two legends and their first encounter since the 2022 French Open quarterfinals, where Nadal clinched victory. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, currently leads the rivalry with a narrow 30-29 advantage. In the previous round, Djokovic dominated Australia's doubles specialist Matthew Ebden with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win, while Nadal overcame Hungary's Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

The history between the pair runs deep, dating back to the semifinals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Nadal emerged victorious and went on to secure the gold, leaving Djokovic with a bronze. Nadal has also won a gold medal in men's doubles with Marc Lopez at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The clay courts of Roland Garros have been particularly favorable for Nadal, who boasts a record 14 French Open singles titles.

Leading up to this tournament, Djokovic faced a setback at Wimbledon, losing to young Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz in the finals. Alcaraz, who is also competing in the men's singles and doubles in Paris, delivered a stunning straight-sets victory over Djokovic (6-2, 6-2, 7-6). In doubles action, Nadal and Alcaraz emerged victorious against Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a 7-6, 6-4 win.

(With inputs from agencies.)