Novak Djokovic reacted to the possibility of facing Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympic Games.
The Serbian is in the French capital preparing for what could be his final Olympics and a last chance to win the gold medal.
It is a prize that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career and he has made no secret of his desire to win it for his country.
If Djokovic is to become Olympic Champion in 2024, he may have to go through arguably his biggest rival.
What did Novak Djokovic say about a possible Rafael Nadal match at the Paris Olympics?
Djokovic is no stranger to tough draws at the Olympics, after once being drawn to face Juan Martin del Potro in the opening round of 2016 Rio Games.
The 37-year-old ended up losing that match to the Argentine in straight sets and left the court in tears. Eight years later he faces a similar task with the possibility of facing his fellow legend of the game as early as round two.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of his fifth Olympics campaign, Djokovic is looking forward to the chance of maybe facing Nadal for the 60th time.
“I am excited for this duel in the second round and I will give it my all,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. “I am aware of the importance of the Olympic Games even though they are much different to what our sport is used to.
“I represent my country which is more responsibility and pressure but it’s something that I am experienced with and I am happy to do it.”
What is Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s head-to-head record?
Throughout their illustrious careers, Djokovic and Nadal have played one another on 59 occasions during what is one of tennis’ greatest rivalries.
Their first meeting came back in 2006 at the French Open, when the Spaniard emerged victorious. Djokovic currently edges the head-to-head with 30 wins, while Nadal has recorded six victories from their last 10.
Djokovic currently has a 15–13 lead in all the finals they have played, while Nadal leads 11–7 at Grand Slams and has won five of their nine major finals.
On the different surfaces, Nadal and Djokovic have two wins apiece on grass, but the clay and hard court records are more one-sided.
Of their 26 meetings on hard courts, Djokovic has claimed 20 while on clay, Nadal has 20 of their 28 matchups.
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