Novak Djokovic dominated his 60th match against Rafael Nadal, with the Serb reaching the third round of the Paris Olympic event 6-1, 6-4 on Monday.
The loss in one and three-quarter hours brought down the curtain on the 38-year-old Spaniard’s games singles career, with his doubles combination alongside Carlos Alcaraz still in the mix.
The Serb leads what will surely be the final match in the two-decade series 31 wins to 29; the pair last met on court in 2022.
Djokovic, owner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles but without a medal at the Games, ran out the opening set in 29 minutes after leading 5-0.
With the Serb, 37, in charge by a set and 4-0, Nadal suddenly began a fightback, levelling at 4-all before his opponent completed the second-round win, breaking five times from a dozen chances.
Nadal, plagued through his career by injuries and a 14-time French Open champion at the Olympic Chatrier showcourt venue, seems likely to retire sometime this season.
Djokovic sealed victory on his first match point, sending over his fifth ace.
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…