NEW DELHI: Rafael Nadal arranged a highly anticipated Olympic Games showdown with his long-time adversary Novak Djokovic on Sunday. His participation in the event was uncertain due to injury worries, but he validated his choice to compete at the last moment.
The Spaniard, who has claimed 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros, emerged victorious against Marton Fucsovics in the opening round, securing a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win.Nadal played with strapping on his injured right thigh throughout the match, AFP reported.
The 38-year-old Nadal appeared to be cruising after quickly taking the first set on Court Philippe Chatrier, where he has won 14 French Open titles.
However, Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, the world number 83, raised his level after a slow start and pushed Nadal to a third set.
Fucsovics held three break points for a 3-1 lead in the deciding set, but Nadal withstood the threat and broke back in the following game to regain momentum.
A gritty hold of serve edged Nadal closer to victory. The 22-time Grand Slam champion eventually overcame a determined Fucsovics after two hours and 30 minutes.
Nadal, who won singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and doubles gold in Rio four years later, is playing just his seventh tournament of 2024.
He reached the final in Bastad last weekend but suffered a setback in training on Wednesday, jeopardizing his hopes of appearing at a fifth Olympics.
On Saturday, Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, with his right thigh heavily bandaged. The pair won their first-round match in straight sets.
The Spaniard, who has claimed 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros, emerged victorious against Marton Fucsovics in the opening round, securing a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win.Nadal played with strapping on his injured right thigh throughout the match, AFP reported.
The 38-year-old Nadal appeared to be cruising after quickly taking the first set on Court Philippe Chatrier, where he has won 14 French Open titles.
However, Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, the world number 83, raised his level after a slow start and pushed Nadal to a third set.
Fucsovics held three break points for a 3-1 lead in the deciding set, but Nadal withstood the threat and broke back in the following game to regain momentum.
A gritty hold of serve edged Nadal closer to victory. The 22-time Grand Slam champion eventually overcame a determined Fucsovics after two hours and 30 minutes.
Nadal, who won singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and doubles gold in Rio four years later, is playing just his seventh tournament of 2024.
He reached the final in Bastad last weekend but suffered a setback in training on Wednesday, jeopardizing his hopes of appearing at a fifth Olympics.
On Saturday, Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, with his right thigh heavily bandaged. The pair won their first-round match in straight sets.
