Tennis world in frenzy over huge Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic development at Olympics

Rafa Nadal has left the tennis world in a frenzy after setting-up a clash with Novak Djokovic at the Olympics in Paris. Nadal was a doubt to play in the singles competition in Paris having already won his opening tennis doubles match at the Olympics alongside fellow Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz.

While doubts remained over his fitness after he withdrew from Wimbledon, Nadal quelled any major fears having defeated the dangerous Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier. Nadal is currently battling another injury, which coach Carlos Moya admitted could see the Spaniard withdraw, but the Spaniard was keen to push through the pain as he is aware this could be his last appearance in Paris.

"Of course I know that maybe it's the last time that I play here. Maybe not," Nadal admitted after the match. "I can't confirm that because I don't know."

Nadal's win on his favourite surface will now see him play his biggest rival Djokovic in their 60th career meeting. Djokovic defeated Matt Ebden in straight sets to advance to the second round. The Spaniard said it is always a special showdown against the No.1 seed, even if it was early in the competition in Paris.

"It's been always super special to play against Novak, no? No doubt about that," Nadal said. "The difference is normally we have been playing for finals or for semifinals. This...is a second round."

And the Spaniard's victory has sent the tennis world into a frenzy. While all eyes were on Nadal and Alcaraz during their opening round doubles win, fans are arguably more excited to see Nadal play Djokovic at the Olympics for just the second time.

It could also be the last time Nadal plays on Philippe Chatrier, a court where he has won a record 14 Roland Garros titles. While Nadal is coy on whether this will be his last season playing tennis, fans are well aware they may never see the 'King of Clay' play professionally on the surface ever again.

The two first played each other in 2006 on clay in Paris. And the 2024 Paris Olympics clash could be their last meeting. And the excitement for the second round match is already building with the legends showing great respect for each other in their 60th meeting. Djokovic posted a photo of the two together with their crowning moments on his social media, while Nadal admitted his excitement at playing the 24-time grand slam champion.

Rafa Nadal admits worries against Novak Djokovic

While Nadal is optimistic against his greatest rival, the Spaniard admitted his current injury and lack of match fitness could make the task even harder than usual against the Serbian. "Every single match that I played against Novak — almost every single match — I arrived with a different situation (than) I am (in) today. So that makes the match more difficult for me," he said.

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"But I always have hope. I always believe and I'm going to give my best." Nadal wasn't the only tennis veteran to return to the Olympics with a win. Andy Murray paired up with countryman Dan Evans to defeat Japan's Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel in a super tiebreak 2-6, 7-6 (11-9).

Meanwhile, Aussie tennis fans were left devastated after Alex De Minaur withdrew from the singles competition due to a hip injury he suffered during Wimbledon. The No.5 seed withdrew from singles competition, but will still take part in the doubles with Alexei Popyrin. The Aussie defeated No.16 seed Chilean Nicolas Jarry in his first round match and will face Stan Wawrinka in the second round.