Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, has paid tribute to Novak Djokovic following the Serbian’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics tennis final. Djokovic’s triumph secured him a career Golden Slam, adding yet another accolade to his illustrious career.
In a column for Spanish publication *El País*, Toni Nadal expressed his admiration for Djokovic, reiterating his view that the Serbian is the greatest tennis player of all time. Reflecting on the match, he acknowledged that while Alcaraz was the favorite, Djokovic’s performance was exemplary, showcasing the qualities that have made him a legend in the sport.
“It is true that the Spaniard was the favourite to add Olympic success to his showcase but, on this occasion, he met a great Djokovic who reminded us of his best versions,” wrote Toni Nadal. He highlighted Alcaraz’s missed opportunities, particularly the eight break points in the first set, suggesting that converting any of those could have shifted the match in the young Spaniard’s favor.
Toni Nadal also noted the marked improvement in Djokovic’s game since their last encounter at Wimbledon, where Alcaraz had outplayed the Serbian. This time, however, Djokovic’s agility and tactical play were key to his victory. “We were able to see the Belgrade player very improved and with a speed of displacement typical of the great player that he still is,” he added.
Despite Alcaraz’s defeat, Toni Nadal emphasized the merit in his performance, describing the Spaniard’s determination and passion as commendable. He acknowledged the emotional toll the loss took on Alcaraz, who was visibly distraught after the match, but stressed that the silver medal was still a significant achievement against the greatest player in history.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked world no.159, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of July when he was overcome by world no.2 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard has managed to achieve an overall 12-7 record. Rafael Nadal’s best result of the current season was getting to the final in Bastad.
Nadal will play next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of August.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
Currently the world no.2, Novak played his last match on the 4th of August when he defeated world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final in Paris to win his 99th career title.
At the moment, during this season Novak achieved a compiled 29-7 record. Novak clinched 1 title in Paris. Djokovic reached the final in Wimbledon.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic fought against each other 60 times. Their current head to head is 31-29 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they competed against each other, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (Olympics) on the 29th of July 2024.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic |
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