Djokovic vs. Nadal Paris Olympics 2024 R2 | Post-Match

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal met for a 60th time in the familiar territory of Roland Garros at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Gill Gross breakdown and analysis.
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[@anneryan2563]

Well done Novak. Managed the stress perfectly and played Beautifully.

[@Grooveboxin]

Super hot and sunny out there, and only his second match on clay in almost 2 months

[@tovaba6930]

It became painfully clear that Nadal is not a fraction slower than in his prime but significantly slower

[@Holyspace305]

What about the shots

[@jamescook4116]

Yes. His athleticism has significantly declined.

[@tovaba6930]

@@Holyspace305 He was often too late to the ball to be able to make quality shots

[@keletscalceta6776]

Agree.

[@chloe2475]

Or just injured again, which is not really better

[@MegaMoflis]

all credit to Djokovic, good for Nadal it didn't finished 6:0, 6:0 because it could really did.

[@buzzfunk]

This is why Nole will never be liked as much as Nadal. His toxic fans.

[@timothylee2772]

​@@buzzfunkNole has more fans than Rafa and Federer..cope😂😂😂😂

[@sonnysantino7849]

Toxic? It's not toxic. It's just reality.

[@naysayer1238]

@@buzzfunk Dumb. All the Big 3 each have loads of toxic fans. It's mostly the media and that he ruined the Big 2 narrative.

[@timothylee2772]

@@buzzfunk Federer and Nadal are only popular in Western nations. But Nole has more fans around the world.🌎 🌍

[@jamescook4116]

Djokovic is 11-1 since Roland Garros. He is playing at a higher level and getting his act together for the second half of 2024.

[@nikhils2381]

Will need to step up his level a lot more if he hopes to beat Zverev or Alcaraz in this Olympics.

[@billdillon3886]

LOL, he's done for the year.

[@jamescook4116]

@@billdillon3886 Who? Nadal? If you're stating that Djokovic is done for the year I don't think that is accurate at all.

[@billdillon3886]

@@jamescook4116 Both, but more importantly Djoker. He won't win the Olympics and he won't win the Open. He can have the rest.

[@Logan00710]

@@billdillon3886 yeah yaeh you got a big motuh you know???. loserq

[@TuningintotheOne4BLN]

A decline in 1st part of 2024 for Novak. Props to Novak for smokin' HOT 1st set. The serving! The hitting. The forcing of errors in Set 1. Nole cooled in set 2 - but turned it around after 4-4. Thanx Gill. What a treat to see it live for #60 in this EPIC rivalry! Cheers, Milan

[@tasaneewantanakul8382]

Great amazing rivalry Congratulations novak Djokovic❤🐐✨️👏

[@nomdeplume92]

Rafa looked truly old today. A shadow of a shadow of his former self. Novak could've bageled him in the first set, but he didn't. And, I don't think Rafa did anything particularly significant to surge in the second. It was Novak who let loose of the reins.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

novak handed him 1 game in the first set, then a few in the 2nd set to not embarrass him

[@harsh5469]

​@@Lauren-vd4qeno in the 1st set it was 5-0 30-15 Novak needed two points to bagel but missed a forehand on baseline by small margin and 30 all. Had it been a winner ,it was bagel for sure. And 2nd set after the double fault his level slightly dropped and nadal too found his 1st serve but again at 4 all it was a battle and the dropshot was perfect to break him

[@nomdeplume92]

I meant no disrespect to Rafa. He just isn't there anymore. And Novak, in some shape or form, is.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@harsh5469 like i said, novx handed nadal a game in the 1st set

[@move3spaces246]

Yeh it was novaks 1st serve that went away. It would of been another breatstick in 2nd

[@0i0l0o]

That was.. beautiful and sad at the same time.

[@user-rr4xt8du6c]

Don't write anecdotes when you can write essays

[@priyaravindran6150]

Playing at 37, less than two months after knee surgery, against another legend, and to display the level he did…The youngsters may well be taking over, but to maintain his level for over two decades, and being only one year younger and not 17 unlike some of his current rivals, it’s truly just jaw dropping. Sure, Nadal has been injured, but most didn’t give Djokovic grace for playing the Wimbledon final a month after knee surgery, and he’s still only less than two months out. 31-29 now, and this is in spite of the fact that their last match off of clay was AO2019. I will miss their rivalry when it’s all said and done. Best in history for me.

[@harsh5469]

ATP cup 2020

[@Lewythefly]

@@harsh5469 6-2, 7-6 to Novak

[@zetristan4525]

Gill very impressive in 18 minutes - truly highly intelligent. (CB Fowler should watch and step aside for GG to go center stage.)

[@theprogressivemichigander6588]

Djokovic came out on fire. But Nadal did show some serious fight in the second set and almost took advantage of Djokovic cooling down just a little at 4-1 in the second.

[@MishaWilson]

The 4-4 game was the biggie - and he went away unfortunately.

[@marlenebuls9535]

Almost, but not quite...

[@patcisz3474]

​@MishaWilson Nadal's serve has never been worse than it is now and also his forehand is not very strong anymore.

[@Pt225go25]

Did anyone else feel like Novak just kind of lessened up towards the end so as to not humiliate Rafa?

[@bubasinter6729]

for sure 👍

[@tenniskidaaron1]

Expected. Inevitable. Yet still painful. Not just the match necessarily, but the fact that the end of an era is reaching closer and closer. I'm going to miss the feelings one gets when seeing the big 3 compete against each other.

[@joannemoore3976]

I think it reminds us all of our own mortality somehow..We have spent nearly 2 decades watching them..I got really emotional at what appeared to be Murray's final match yesterday and then somehow they won!

[@daylightSweet]

Novak could have bageled him but he’s a gentleman.

[@Abhi-wh3ik]

Yup. Nadal would've 100% bageled him if he had a chance.

[@ormccoy]

it was a 🎁 to see these two doods play once again. 60 matches! kryste what a rivalry. hvala nole! gracias rafa!

[@iceice8327]

What this match showed us 0:28 Djokovic played well 1:40 Djokovic brought the ‘Wimbledon 2024 level aggression’ 3:56 Djokovic’s Backhand ruled this matchup 6:44 Nadal’s performance 10:49 Tactical mistake by Nadal 13:40 The impact this match will have on Nadal 15:15 Djokovic moving forward 16:49

[@lawdogwales5921]

good

[@enigmaparadox987]

Gill: (I paraphrase) "tennis is about disrupting the patterns your opponent is looking for!"

[@alfredoloyola8626]

This was said by Federer in his documentary

[@ManuelPorcell-el9cx]

@enigmaparadox987; There’s nothing enigmatic or requiring deciphering on Rafa, he has always been consistent and predictable on his pattern; still he manages to take the fight to the last point reason why he is admired and respected. 22 slams, gold medals and Davis Cup wins are acquired thru gut and grit. He is a phenomenon that does not “chicken out” from a tennis battle under any circumstances. He will always be the king of the impossible gets and iron defense!! 💪

[@bozidarugljesic2907]

"Working smart not hard" those were Djokovic words and thats why he outlasted Nadal, he was Just knowing that in long run he wins this race against Rafa and for that to happen you need incredible discipline but most importantly a lot of patience, Rafa was Just to harsh on his body and his style of play is simply to demanding, to be honest its almost a miracle that hes still playing at this age, you have to give him a lot of Credit for his fighting SPIRIT, amaizing champions both of them!!

[@al1976-v7m]

Don't forget that he also entered the tour at age 16, so he's had more mileage than Nole.

[@marlenebuls9535]

​@@al1976-v7myou make your own bed, you lie in it

[@patcisz3474]

​@@al1976-v7m Also too many injuries in Nadal's early career that has carried over to his late career. As a young man his adrenaline was able to help him fight through it but now at age 38 that is not possible.

[@andieolivia]

Marlene slow your role. You’re basically the female version of PavvyG! It’s rather embarrassing don’t you think?

[@JrBM2023]

14 RG is a testament that Rafa's body endures the hardest court.

[@anwar7686]

Both are simply outstanding champions who are still competing at the highest level. Nadal 38 years of age and still fighting is simply amazing and has many lessons for next Gen players. Best wishes for the Champions

[@krishnaramachandran7722]

Rafa is not competing at highest level. His serve speed is low. His movement has considerably slowed down.

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Dude am a Rafa fan 9000% and Nadal aint playing at no high level. This is the absolute worst that he has looked. And he wont get better. Its not his fault but Father Time always wins.

[@JAM-fm8lt]

Yeah. One is still wining and other one loosing regularly.

[@ProdigyMPS]

Djokovic decline? Maybe. Worst year of his career? Maybe. But he is still a top 2 or top 3 player who has the potential to win 1-2 grand slams. On grass Djokovic probably can play the next 4-5 years on the highest level and reach finals there…

[@dominikk7237]

He is building his form now and he is going to be much better.....if healthy. Being in Wimbledon final without tennis training, just rehab, was a great result and he had no chance against Alcaraz, knowing the circumstances.

[@slXD100]

@@dominikk7237 Alcaraz was the only player in Wimby that was able to expose Novaks movement issues due to recent injury and insufficient time to recover fully, he played against Novak in ways he otherwise wouldn't as that won't work out.

[@dominikk7237]

@@slXD100 I think that Sinner and Medvedev would have exposed it as well. He fully recovered but didn't trained enough. Event today Novak was Novak 2023 only in the first set.

[@slXD100]

@@dominikk7237 Idk about Medvedev, he lost to Djokovic prior to Wimbledon and I don't think his grass-style offers anything for Djokovic, even with that form. Sinner maybe, since he likes to take time away and hits with lots of power. but I was specifically speaking on how Alacaraz attacked Djokovic in ways he otherwise wouldn't as that won't work with a fully healthy/fit Novak. then again Novak had crazy nerves and only found his game in the third set, playing like he did with the nerves, he would've lost to Musetti in the semis as well.

[@CortanaCH]

It was 6:1 6:4, not 6:4 6:1 (first 30 seconds of the video).

[@WorriedWombat]

Oh no, what a horrible mistake. Completely unwatchable.

[@marlenebuls9535]

​@@WorriedWombatsarcasm is the lowest form of wit

[@cobra7282]

@@marlenebuls9535nothing wrong with sarcasm, it is just poorly placed here.

[@ultrasound1459]

It was intentional...American metric be like

[@cobra7282]

@@ultrasound1459 what does any of this have to do with reading a tennis score?..

[@kjtarr1788]

Great video, Gil. “There will be significant scarring.” What a great line!

[@Abhishek08_]

After the RG match against Zverev, Rafa had mentioned that he had been practicing very well and felt he could have gone far if he hadn't faced a player with the caliber of Zverev in first round. It seemed he had got a bit of confidence back and he looked positive for the upcoming Olympics. I thought with this new confidence he would surely play great at Bastad and get back on the comeback route. After seeing him beat Norrie in straight sets in Bastad, I thought I was right. But after that match, all of Rafa's matches have been a grind and a struggle and almost painful to watch. Without an improvement in his movement and his serve, which are big ifs at this point, a real comeback seems very unlikely now unfortunately :(

[@titikkoma8586]

Nadal VS Roger 40 x. Roger VS Novak 50 x. Nadal vs Novak 60 x. Nadal is the king of Clay. Roger is of Grass and Novak is the king of TENNIS.😘

[@dominikk7237]

Yeah, king of grass who lost 3 out of 3 Wimbledon finals against Djokovic

[@Batman22222]

​@@dominikk7237 Yup....😂😂💯

[@Southpaw101]

Joke

[@ramamurthys6418]

In spite of unfair spectators and poorer form Novak played remarkably well. At some points I thought Novak was deliberately going soft on his most respected rival. Great players both. Very nice to see both playing at their ages and in an Olympics arena Memorable match.

[@RedSkorpioTV]

6-1 and the second set was 4x0 Djokovic until he decided to train a little bit. It was almost Djokovic vs Ebden again.

[@ntl219]

those loose forehands and weird shot selections gave it away.

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Nadal is now jist reduced to moments. He had small snippets of his past greatness but not consistent enough to disrupt Djokovic in any way.

[@jonaschilonga81]

I don’t think Nadal will ever again beat Novak, not to mention in a Grand slam. Those days are definitely behind us..

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Thats been the case since he was semi-permanently injured late 2022. This was Rafa playing not to be embarrassed.

[@JAM-fm8lt]

Forget about beating Joker, Nadal will not beat any top 10 players. He will only beat nobody .

[@jeansee5429]

I'm a Rafa fan but his time is over

[@gustavoraya9553]

Exacto amigo, debe retirarse ¡Ya! con dignidad por lo grande que es, hoy dejo mucho que desear ante el mundo que testificó esta humillación inecesaria. Un abrazo respetuoso.

[@leonardobraynen1524]

Same 9000% a Rafa fan but its time to hang up the racquet and go home to his wife and young son. He's done.

[@nathanesau1]

Djokovic use of moonballing occasionally to disrupt Nadal rhythm is another thing I noticed. Also, he seemed to win a lot of key points to prevent Nadal getting any momentum

[@annalax375]

Alcaraz is using moonballing and body serves (and „bodyballing”) most often

[@ZlatniPlast]

​@@annalax375Yes, but Djokovic used that also before against Nadal on clay. Alcaraz used moonballs against Zverev in RG final

[@move3spaces246]

@@annalax375why does everyone feel the need yo mention Alacaraz all the time haha! Noone cares! Lets face it the big 3 is tennis!

[@kimi-de1ox]

of course he did moonballing; I was waiting to see how long it would take novak to copy it. I noticed that many players, including novak, sit back and wait for nadal to create an effective strategy for them to steal, use against him and take the credit for it. not only moonballing, but nadal invented the tactic of standing far back to return huge serves, lo and behold, everybody uses it, but he gets no credit for it. nothing but a bunch of atp copy cats taking the credit for someone else ideas. I blame nadal for always giving away ideas to people who can't stand him; people who would love for him to just go away.

[@danicadabic9789]

@@kimi-de1ox your whole post is ridiculous.

[@kendaddi5857]

Dear Gill,I am not sure I heard you analyze the impact of Djokovic’s knee surgery on his game. Isn’t it obvious that he decided to play a more aggressive forecourt tennis to shorten the points as a protection for his still recovering knee? This tactics failed him against Alcaraz in Wimbledon but today he got away with it. The Djokovic we know, if in good health will grind with any player from the base and outrally most. He did it against Alcaraz in Cincinnati masters and at Turin 2023. He did it against Alcaraz in Wimbledon finals 2023 and it was a close match. If Djokovic’s knee heals better during this Olympics I am sure he can grind toe to toe from the base against anybody including Tsitsipas, Zverev or Alcaraz.

[@sprzrz573]

The finalist of the last Wimbledon versus a player ranked 160th. What other outcome did we expect?

[@salmanfarruz]

Expected a double bagel tbh. Disappointed he let Dal won that one game in the 1st, and dipped in the 2nd to allow him to equalize from 4-0 up.

[@beemo5661]

You really think nadal was going to take a set from Djoko 😂 at the moment Nadal is not even near Djoko’s form

[@patcisz3474]

People are delusional. I'm a Nadal fan but even I knew this match was impossible for him to win.

[@cobra7282]

To be fair, he almost did steal the 2nd set.

[@beemo5661]

@@cobra7282 ye but he can’t maintain that form for more than 20minutes & at that level djoko would kill you

[@cobra7282]

@@beemo5661 The point is that it is not crazy to think that he could steal a set. Especially considering that he almost did.

[@slXD100]

@@patcisz3474 obviously this takes into account Novak not playing well, nerves etc.

[@cityremade]

I loved it. They are magical together.

[@stevenherzog2358]

Yeah, I think it was simply a representation of where they’re at now. Rafa hasn’t really rounded into top form at all this year, and no matter what the conditions are, a top player who’s fully in gear is going to make a top player stuck in 2nd gear look like an amateur. Add in the fact that the patterns for Novak are super clear in this matchup and you have a recipe for this result, even on Chatrier.

[@patcisz3474]

This is facts. Nadal has to be in peak physical condition or close to it in order to beat his biggest rival Djokovic but it is clear that Nadal's level is very low right now both physically and mentally.

[@annalax375]

I was too nervous to watch live sending, but saw it now🎉❤

[@POK2008]

I'm a huge Rafa fan, but what did people expect? Rafa is a guy that has been on tour for over 20 years, playing with arguably the most physically demanding game ever. Not only that, but he is nearly 40 years old. I don't care how great of a player you are or how great of a career you have had, no one defeats father time. Father time is coming for Novak, and father time will one day come for Alcaraz and Sinner. With his game style, it is a miracle that Rafa has lasted this long on tour. If you were hoping that Rafa could somehow turn back the clock to 2010 or 2013, then you were just delusional. I'm torn on whether or not he should retire right now, but he is going to need to get better in a few key areas if he wants to continue and be competitive. However, he has nothing left to prove.

[@Grooveboxin]

Nadal is less than a year older than Novak lol, it’s not an age argument. It’s a play style arguement that will also hurt Carlos later in his career too.

[@POK2008]

⁠​⁠@@Grooveboxin I do agree with you that it is indeed play style. I also believe that Novak probably took care of his body more health wise in general. I definitely agree with you about Alcaraz. He’s had quite a few injuries already this early in his career.

[@barbaragillett9904]

Congratulations congratulations 🥂 Novak l know you could do it great match thanks Gill 💯agree with you 👏👏👏👏❤️🤣

[@Pablito2466]

they have also 2 different body structure.The Nadal's faster physical decline is his kind of structure.

[@JAM-fm8lt]

Nadal faster physical decline is his own doing by abusing his body over the years by taking all the numbing injections before each practice and before each match.

[@ashleyguriah9812]

There is only ONE legend (you cant have two legends, cos it means they are equal on stats and victories)....and that 1 legend is Novak.....and he will be for the next 20 years (if not forever).....unless Carlos can change the stats of the following : 1 - 24 Grand Slams.....and counting (he should get to at least 28 by the end of his career) 2 - 428 weeks in a record 13 different years ...and counting 3 - Year end No1 - 8 times.....and counting 4 - 10 Australian Slams ...and counting 5 - 98 Titles....including a record - 71 Big Titles ...and counting... 6 - 40 Masters Titles record - ..and counting 7 - 7 ATP Finals wins ...and counting 8 - Only man in tennis history to be the reigning champion of all four majors at once across three different surfaces...and counting 9 - Only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam, and the only player to complete a Career Golden Masters, a feat he has achieved twice...and counting 10 - First man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors simultaneously 11 - Rankings points record of 16,950. 12 - With a 1,100-218 win-loss record, at 83.5% he recorded the best winning percentage for a man in the Open Era 13- The most Grand Slam wins 370 and quarter finals (59) ...and counting 14 - Won all major and Masters events and the year-end championships at least twice (which has not been done by another player once 15 - Only one among his rivals who has won all four majors consecutively...and counting .....AND COUNTING !!! If Carlos Alcarz beats ALL the above records (or even 50 % of these)....I will change my sex, stop having sex, or eating food, shave my head and *ss...., give all my worldly possessions away.....never watch tennis again....AND actually commit suicide with immediate effect..... LOL ..but I will eat my shorts and worst enemies shorts and underwear...without any sauce

[@jasonk7003]

I think you’re overstating a bit the advantages Rafa had when you consider Djokovic was way more rested having not had to play doubles plus an extra day or rest. Ultimately none of it would have mattered Djokovic is by far the better player rn and we already knew that by how much Rafa struggled against subpar competition in Bastaad

[@mambi74]

Rafa hasn't beaten Novak outside of clay since 2013.. all he got was 1-2 sets on grass. So the gap has been pretty wide for a long time. This match, 2nd set, was just kinda sad really.

[@bonnie_nelms]

I wasn’t able to see the match and appreciate your excellent recap.

[@tusharsingh4543]

I think this was Nadal's last singles match at PC.

[@aleksandarcelar1566]

Novak past the test with flying colors ! Thank you very much.

[@Whatreally123]

For me this was Novak how he was against deminaur in AO23. He was locked in and mega shots. Dominated Nadal.

[@patcisz3474]

He dominated a washed Nadal that lost 6-2 6-2 against Borges.

[@Whatreally123]

@@patcisz3474 so? Poor you unable to cope... 🤣

[@westonmeyer3110]

Alcaraz will crush him if Zverev doesn’t beat him first. It’s over for Djokovic too.

[@espectrosdelrizoma658]

Gill, you should read nadal’s comments after the match, he talked about his mentality when facing his retirement. He wanted to give himself one more option to come back this year, but he also didnt want to condition his mental state during it by thinking that it was definitely his last dance, so he decided to keeep mentally the option to continue open. It’s seems that you’re annoyed he doesnt have and end point fixed, but thats what works for him mentally (and im sure he thought sbout it alot and talked it with his team, family and therapist.).

[@chloe2475]

I mean I don't know if it works that well because clearly sometimes the pressure really gets to him

[@meldkmo]

Agreed, let him play half a season in full and see how it goes. Who is everyone to tell him to stop. He obviously is cemented in history, it sad to see a legend struggle, yes! But the Olympics is once in 4 years, why wouldn't he play even if he doesn't believed he is going win. He wants to travel with the family, his baby and he carried the Olympic torch. So he didn't win, he has two gold medals. I think Rafa realistically knew after the last few matches, he wasn't a favorite for Gold but let him enjoy! He deserves it. Will this match with Djokovic define their rivalry , in my opinion No. It's a Nadal who hasn't played in 2 years and slow against a Djokovic who had still been playing since 2022 and winning. I agree that they are on different trajectory of tennis level at this moment, but I appreciate they are still around ❤

[@marlenebuls9535]

Rafa always has an excuse when he loses. Hubris got him today- hubris . The gods were not pleased

[@aiylacarson]

Marlene you’re a straight up weirdo. Rafa clearly lives in your head rent free!

[@cobra7282]

@@meldkmo it’s not personal, people just don’t want to see when of the greatest ever struggling to win matches. He can play for as long as he wants, but that doesn’t mean people can’t have the opinion that he should hang them up.

[@enigmaparadox987]

Glad to witness perhaps the last meeting of two legends. A wide gap in performance, but lucky to see some of their old magic with some special points. The question is, was the level of Djokovic, minus the mental brain fart at 4-0 in second set, good enough to be competitive against Alcaraz? Arnaldi and then maybe Tsitsipas may be a better barometer.

[@tounoni]

It was so unnecessary for Nadal to venture into Olympic singles. It’s sad to see that his game has really declined. But hold it a sec Nole can crush Nadal but going further he will play have to play better to beat the likes of Zverev or Carlos in this Olympic

[@salmanfarruz]

Nadal is delusional. He should retire in 2023. He thinks he can still win big stuff but my lord, isn't it bad?

[@JAM-fm8lt]

He will beat Zerev and Alcarez.

[@tounoni]

@@JAM-fm8lt 😂 😂

[@celestialspartan7977]

Rafa is just not able to let go.His best is behind him ...let alone Top 3 any Top 10 guy can smoke him out on clay.Remember HH in Rome?Wonder how he can be competitive at 39 in RG,next year? He should move over to Doubles ,full time,like Navratilova did ,if the passion for the game is to be satisfied and where the body is also taxed less.

[@salmanfarruz]

Actually very well said. If he's too obsessed and "loves" the game and "loves" competing, he should try doubles where he can actually win

[@sonnysantino7849]

GOAT wins. As expected .

[@Chris-bg4vi]

Nadal is also Goat.

[@sonnysantino7849]

@Chris-bg4vi Sure he is. Because 22 is equalled to 24 right?

[@denishamsih5726]

​@@sonnysantino7849yes winning more slams on weak era after nadal injuries and absence

[@jonathanstirling7167]

@@Chris-bg4viNadal,ai not even close

[@sonnysantino7849]

@denishamsih5726 Sure..you must be right..that's why they have 6m0 head to head...weak era🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kajjebre]

Unbelievable !!! Novak sets New Record!!! 31:29 …. GOAT still GOATING!!!

[@Grooveboxin]

People probably won’t admit this, but this match had more significance than Novak winning Gold. If he loses this match, their record at 30 all, people would use that forever to argue. Not that it matters overall, just optics.

[@move3spaces246]

The 🐐beats nadal again at RG! Congrats Novak with one of your best olympic performances!

[@move3spaces246]

@@erikpeters8055who cares about Alcaraz! The big 3 era is the one that everyone will remember and now Novak has beaten Nadal 3 times at RG and Nadal has never beaten him at AO! The 🐐

[@Brock_S]

Great analysis Gil. Nole' played great, except for that 15 minute blip in the second set where his nerves obviously got to him and he his level dropped to let Rafa back in. Then he got his mojo back at 4-4 and closed it out.

[@nunogoncalves1802]

If before the game there was rarely a doubt of who would win, during the 1st set was clear that Novak is miles away. The gap was so big that if it wasn't for a clear relax from Novak (and quite a few stupid silly mistakes from him on the net), this could have easily ended 6-0 / 6-1.

[@asadmohammed9982]

The muscle injury rafa got in australia really destroyed his comeback in my opinion. In brisbane he looked sharp and quick great in cat and mouse points. His agression was incredible and his spot serving was of a good level since then rafa hasnt impressed me at all. I truly believe if it hadnt been for that muscle injury rafa could have been a contender for rg regardless of his draw.

[@vvele1838]

He WON the GOLD Gill - yeaaaaaaaaa

[@farzinshokooh2085]

Hi Gill, I learn from & enjoy your analyses. Thank you. On this talk, you sound to me as if Rafa played with shortcomings (somethings that he could have done better) rather than limitations. Rafa has always been honest with what & how he has been playing & to the point. In his post-match, he says: "I don’t have the legs I had 15 years ago either,” Nadal added. “Without ball quality and the legs of 15 years ago you are not going to create problems for the best in history. The analysis is easy: I have not been at my level; he has and the result was costly."

[@rosaliewright4226]

Hi, Gill! Waiting with held breath for your take on Novak’s match with Alcaraz for the gold yesterday.

[@meisu3287]

Your analysis is spot on!

[@sanjaybabar6072]

I think Novak is trying to play attacking tennis to match up with young players. Played in similar fashion today as well

[@AIexOut-A-Magic-x6w]

Tennistically speaking, this was Nadal´s death. Gill even says it loud and clear at 5:25

[@Wouterium]

And Gill, just adding to what you said about the scar tissue; I'm not sure how much that counts when you just have so much love for the game. If you look at Murray and Wawrinka, sure they built up the scar tissues, but they just love the game so much it's hard t let go. I don't think a loss like this should be the nail in the coffin. I honestly don't.

[@IndyShepherd]

To all the folks out there saying that Djokovic will not win another major title... you are out of your minds!! Have you forgotten that he won 3 out of 4 major titles last year? And, he has been injured since Roland Garros where he was a realistic contender into the Qtr Finals vs Casper Ruud, before he pulled out, and he also made the Final of Wimbledon after post-operative knee surgery! He's about to enter his beloved hard-court season, for the next two majors, where on this surface, he is arguably a favorite over both Alcaraz & Sinner. If Djokovic is able to remain healthy and if he competitively plays through age 40, that will include 15 major tournaments from now thru 2026. I think it's perfectly reasonable to believe that Djokovic could actually win 4-5 more major titles before he retires.

[@lawdogwales5921]

Nole will win 6 more Majors for a total of 30. He'll win a Wimbledon or an AO at the age of 40.

[@miloradrabasovik7938]

Well I like your comment but for me is good if he wins this Olympic gold and one more Grand Slam. Of course he has potential to win many more ATP 1000 masters and Tour Finals too. Gooo No1e

[@didiertyamukueni6484]

The BEST analisis you will listen to today. Congratulations, I enjoyed too much and learned too much too

[@shrutipanwar1561]

Idemoo N❤LE…..yayyyyyyyyyy

[@jeanjeanjean2541]

Rafa seems slower on the legs than he was in Roland Garros against Zverev. What do you guys think ?

[@sylvia8071]

Sanseacabó. Gracias por el partido. Gracias Rafael Nadal, has sido grande y he disfrutado mucho de tu tenis a través de los años. Gracias.

[@MttSuddarth]

Gill, I’m surprised so few people are talking about how terrible the scheduling was for Rafa here. I mean he had less than 24 hours off while Djokovic had two days. Other players like Fritz are getting even more time off between singles matches. It makes no sense that Nadal and Djokovic wouldn’t have played their first and second round matches on the same days. I think Djokovic still wins this regardless, but it probably would have led to at least a more competitive match.

[@move3spaces246]

Well thata cause nadals playing doubles. Novak was smart!

[@MttSuddarth]

@@move3spaces246 It has nothing to do with doubles. I’m only talking about singles.

[@paulacostescu1041]

​@MttSuddarth we do not know what Nadal requested as "preferences". Maibe he really prioritise the double... it is really a big PR move and a pick at this stage.

[@Grooveboxin]

And Novak had to start a match after midnight at the FO, cry me a river.

[@MttSuddarth]

@@Grooveboxin Yeah, that’s bad, too. Tennis in general is bad at scheduling.

[@joshct9426]

I've never been a big Nadal fan but man his OCD seems like it's out of control.

[@shrutipanwar1561]

I wonder what are the Rafa fans gonna say now… coz usually they just thrash NOLE …..N❤LE showed again that he was and is still mentally strong ..inspite of being pressurised to win against the king of clay… esp Phillip Chatre. . . Wooohoooooo N❤LE… u we’re just fantastic.

[@Jalleur14325]

Gill - can we please have a post match analysis from Three on the doubles Nadalcaraz? I tuned in at deuce final game second set and missed the most of the match. Was it error stewn?

[@Dunkengeorge]

This is really a brilliant summary of todays match. Nadal totally and utterly done at the highest level and I’m a massive nadal fan. Djokovic in decline but nowhere near the decline of nadal. That was a hard watch for nadal fans today. Ive watched nadal his whole career but the last two years have been awful for him on and off the court with injuries. It’s time for him to retire. Hopefully he calls it a day after the laver cup. I don’t want to watch him get mauled again like he did today. 😢

[@tanmaybakhai8289]

Credits to u for such a perfect analysis All others are biased and just disrespecting nadal, especially at twitter

[@jimnosnow4484]

Was watching the highlights of their 2008 Olympic classic and it’s so crazy to see the difference in speed and athleticism for Nadal. Looks like he plays with bricks in his shoes now.

[@Pedant_Patrol]

The real difference maker is the j@b. Same with Sinner.

[@miljanmatovic880]

If you were honest, you wouldn't try to make it about Nadal and simply admit that Đoković is overall better than him (and has been since forever)...

[@tjg6176]

I am looking forward to the Nadalcaraz game review. Are you going to do one?

[@xaviercrain7336]

6-1, 6-4

[@mpduty]

Very honest review ❤

[@badabing8884]

Only saw the first set because bbc decided to breakaway to the sevens rugby. But it was sad to see Rafa a shadow of the player who won 14 RGs. After being straight setted by Zverev in his backyard, it is time for Rafa to call time on a magnificent career in 2024.

[@michaelalexander299]

Djokovic must be thrilled. Trouncing Nadal on his home court in what easily could be their last match, and taking a permanent lead in the H2H? He lives for that stuff, he’s said it himself: he wants all the trophies and records before he leaves. He’s had that single-mindedness throughout his career, and it pays off.

[@MRInv-rx1gf]

Nole let Nadal win few games to do j9t be shame. Nole could win 6x0 6x0 easy, but choose not too. Lots respect to Nole.

[@soysaucehairdye7869]

You could also see in the first round he let his Aussie opponent win a game just so he wasn't double bageled.

[@MrBjorn6]

6/1 6/4

[@denisdaly1708]

In effect, Federer and Rafa retired together. Federer would never play at Rafa's level now. Rafa has been out too long at 36.. Its hard to get up to the pace of the elites.

[@JAM-fm8lt]

Fed was never good as Nadal. Fed made his name well before Nadal came in by beating no one.

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

All the tennis players are creatures of habit. As they get older, it's more difficult to do things that they've been used to doing. That's why they have mental decline. It's all connected. And there is no bigger creature of habit than Rafael Nadal.

[@miravisnjic8260]

What injury?! Maybe just in his head. It is only a consequence of his behavior towards his own body and taking illegal drugs ♀️ 🤷

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

Nadal looked better in Brisbane at the beggining of the season than he looked in all clay court matches. That's not good. His shots have been so short and movement very sluggish. A lot of uncharacterstic unforced errors aswell. I don't know what he can do to resurrect his career. It looks like the end for him.

[@imelusb1528]

This just shows how Novak was robbed of 25th GS because of not allow him to play AO when Nadal won.

[@Batman22222]

Yeah, but the thíng is ......Nóle is a màn of "fócus, commitmént, shéer wíll"..... He'll gét that 25..... agaínst àll ódds.....despíte hís "décline", it's INÉVITABLÉ!!✌🏻 Djóko is the Jóhn Wíck of ténnis!!🐐😎

[@watchfusion]

Nadal Gates guy. Mr. Pharma. How you guys like your mRNA gene therapy. Tik tok.

[@Alboravin]

Full credit for making an 18 minute recap out of essentially a one-liner: *Rafa is simply too old now to do anything significant on a tennis court vs. top 25 or even top 50 opposition in singles,* he's done and has been since that Wimbledon 2022 injury. Doubles is a different story though and he can still find success there with the right partner (Alcaraz or whoever else) for another couple of years or three. Mind you, Djokovic isn't far behind either. He may have one last resurgent run later this year/early next but Father Time already caught his rival and he's now knocking on the Serb's door too. The warning signs have been there since last year. As for the singles at these Olympics I'm with the popular opinion in that they are for Alcaraz and maybe Zverev to lose, they are the favourites on paper. If Alcaraz at his age achieves singles + doubles gold medals in the same Olympics that would be wild, and it would absolutely confirm him as the most successful 21yr old we've ever seen in the men's game thus far.

[@Naz-h8z]

Novak not being a favorite is doing him good

[@ja-kl8rg]

Novak is goat ❤ nadal needs boost.

[@wheresbaby7783]

Retire I am not the guy who tells people to retire but when you basically can almost lose 60602 Djokovic on clay I mean it’s time to call the quad don’t you think?

[@robertingersoll3039]

Novak's movement was noteworthy in the match. Far cry from where Novak was in the Wimbledon Final.

[@jbm8167]

Unfortunately impossible to judge against someone who won’t expose it if it’s bad. Djoker’s movement looked good against Musetti in the SF / Rune before that, but then we saw what happened after that in the final

[@harsh5469]

​@@jbm8167yes but he didn't slide/stretch in the final here he's doing it. Perhaps in Wimbledon he was saving up for Olympics and going easy on legs

[@brooklineg7727]

doesn't it seem like Novak is having problems at the net with passing shots that drop below the level of the tape ? I saw this against Carlito at Wimbledon and here in the 2nd set.

[@rksleung]

His problem at the net at the wimbledon, as someone suggested, was volleying deep into the court instead of volleying angled, allowing Alcaraz to get to the ball and passing him.

[@brooklineg7727]

@@rksleungMy admittedly poor/fuzzy recollection is Novak netting a lot of volleys in that match; but it seemed like Novak was on top of the net a lot in that match in good positions, and Carlos would hit softer dipping passing shots that Novak would net or drive out.

[@slXD100]

@@rksleung his problem was nerves, nerves and more nerves. so he couldn't volley like he knows he can.. amongst other things. Novak, for my taste, needs to down a beer or two before big matches like that. it may sound crazy but I am sure it would help him a lot. 37 years old and he still hasn't found a way to not have nerves that affect his game very negatively. beer is the way, Novak!

[@Wouterium]

Honestly while I was watching the first set and the first 4 games of the second, this Djokovic did not look like anything we've seen this year yet, form wise. He came out guns blazing, balls were hit so deep at such a high pace, with huge angels. As you've said Gill, Rafa's weight of shot was honestly pretty garbage. Forehand was awful, and movement was not great. But I do feel like he never could've won that first set, because Novak was entirely in the zone. And I don't think I've seen that from him this year yet - please correct me if I'm wrong! Great analysis as always!

[@JayneBangert]

This was a veteran´s match - I know I will bet some backlash but it´s realistic

[@GolfingBobby-it1ls]

veteran djokovic still wins most matches. it’s going to be an alcaraz-djokovic finals, let’s see how much djokovic will crank it up when he gets there. because he’s going to crank it up.

[@gustavoraya9553]

¡Exacto! Gano el mejor y uno debe retirarse concluida la olimpiada y el otro terminando el año, así de fácil, no nos hagamos pendejos.

[@oivaristimaki677]

Now that Nadal’s movement is so compromised I think he would have all the technical capabilities to turn into a big hitter. Most of all his incredible, straight-arm, sling-shot forehand. But after grinding it out for 20+years, it doesn’t look like he is able to do it. (To me there have been some signs of a desire to go towards that path - some but perhaps not definite signs.) Practice makes. It should be noted here that in 2005-2006, before discovering he should be somewhat of a defensive player, Djokovic played really big hitting tennis. Perhaps partly because of this he has always had it in him to hit ultra aggressive. Hence not so much Federer match points as the AO final against Thiem when it looked like, going toe to toe from the baseline, he was down and out. If I were Nadal I would still try to find solace in having the technical specs to hit bigger than almost anybody -definately bigger than someone like Djokovic. The backhand he can hit huge too, because of being a natural righty. He surely remembers how on clay he used to be the one who had an easier time finishing points than Novak. To re-achieve this dynamic, with his current speed, he would of course have to hit not just ”intensly” - like he used to - but altogether huge. Most difficult will undoubtedly be to find mphs on the serve. Hence it nowadays looks like he is not using his shoulder much at all but only swinging loosy-goosy with the arm and the wrist. (This tendency too probably goes a long way; Spanish kids don’t throw ball.) If Rafa wants to go on, he MUST put all eggs in the big hitter basket.

[@slXD100]

what Rafa must do is get high end physios and recovery specialists of all walks and get his body fit. Rafa gets nagging injuries here and there not because of his age, but because he was out for too long and obviously his body isn't used to amount of stress/work, so once he gets going, it's too much and stuff happens. the same was the case with Novak early last year and this year when he took a longer off-season, not training enough in specific ways sets up your body to be more injury-prone once the real game starts. with the constant off and on that Nadal does currently he is becoming more injury-prone.

[@oivaristimaki677]

⁠@@slXD100The constant injuries hinder him, no doubt. But even when 100 % fit I doubt he can beat Djokovic, Zverev, Alcaraz or Sinner with his current style of play.

[@slXD100]

@@oivaristimaki677 we don't know his full potnetial unless the injuries clear, Nadal could've won vs Zverev and probably would have if he had faced him later in the tournament after some matchplay, and Zverev was a finalist and should've won the french open but he choked.

[@miketomlin6040]

Be good to see Nadal get a medal in the doubles. Tough to watch folks who were once 'the best'' run around 10-20% slower than they did in their prime.

[@MaryBoama]

We thank God for the Novak Djokovic win. There will be peace hopefully now. No more insults on him. Thank you, Jesus. Congratulations, Novak . Good luck with the rest of the tournament and God blessings 🙌 🙏 ✨️

[@ackers5861]

And the biggest victim complex award goes to, once again , the Novak fanbase.

[@guruk]

​@@ackers5861i differ. Its fedal fan base who constantly loae the argument and cry " novak fan base is the toxic fanbase ever 😭😭😭". Guys😂 its you. We dont disrespect rafa or roger nearly as much as you guys because we know novak is THE GOAT . But you insecure bu88hurt fans are the ones who try to heckle him because he is the biggest winner in sports. And funnily the reason for hating you losers quote "he yells and breaks rackets" 😂 Guys, the reasons are silly and biased. If you cant, we are here to remind you 🙏😇

[@lawdogwales5921]

Amen, Mary, amen!

[@AmonnRa]

​@@ackers5861And the crying and barking award goes to Fedal fanbase