Novak Djokovic under fire over 'disrespectful' act amid Rafa Nadal demolition at Olympics
Rafa Nadal was no match for Novak Djokovic in Paris as the crowd cheered on the Spaniard.
Novak Djokovic has been called out for hitting back at the Paris crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier after eliminating long-time rival Rafa Nadal at the Olympics. Djokovic and Nadal reignited their storied tennis rivalry at the Olympics in the 60th meeting, but the No.1 seed was way too strong for the Spaniard having won 6-1, 6-4.
The contest looked to be heading towards an ugly scoreline for Nadal at the Olympics after he narrowly avoided a 'bagel' in the first set. Djokovic looked to repeat the feats of the first, but Nadal found some fight in the second and the surge from the crowd helped him mount a mini comeback from 2-4 down as he broke Djokovic twice to level the scores.
The crowd chanted 'Rafa' as he battled back on a court he has seen so much success on. Although his comeback was quickly halted as Djokovic held serve and broke the Spaniard to advance to the third round and continue his quest for Olympic gold.
Djokovic was slowly becoming frustrated during the match as the crowd continuously cheered for his rival. After Nadal broke him the first time, Djokovic took notice of the crowd as they applauded a double fault on break point. And after he won the fifth game, to serve for the match, Djokovic walked over to his chair and gestured at his ear.
The World No.2 was suggesting he couldn't hear the crowd anymore after supporters in Philippe Chatrier went silent as the result became clear. Djokovic and Nadal embraced at the net after the match, before Djokovic revived his Wimbledon celebration as he played the violin with his racquet to his daughter. Although many fans feel the violin celebration doesn't help him with the fans.
And while Djokovic was the better player in the second round against his great rival, fans were left unimpressed by a number of his antics during the match. While Djokovic was clearly not the fan favourite on court many felt the Serbian didn't need to taunt the crowd in what could have been Nadal's final singles game of his career. Nadal has not confirmed he retirement, but it might have been his last appearance on the court where he has won 14 grand slam titles.
Not a fan of @DjokerNole. I’m definitely Team @RafaelNadal!! What a legend. Novak putting his finger to his ear was not classy. Djokovic will never be adored like Nadal is.
— Del Shaffer (@delshaffer) July 29, 2024
We love you Novak. But, take your hand off your ear and be respectful to a legend. Be humble.
— Yusuf Suveyke (@SuveykeYusuf) July 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic. pic.twitter.com/grtBC1WQOc
— Dakota Tenis (@dakotatenis) July 29, 2024
Djokovic finally breaks on the fourth try.
Puts his finger to his ear in that "I wanna hear you, the crowd, appreciate this" move.
Of course, he gets a few boos.
He just can't help himself, seems like. pic.twitter.com/kBkG32GOLX— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) July 29, 2024
I’m surprised he didn’t take out his air violin
— RHS (@Rocketbejner) July 29, 2024
How disrespectful and typical of him.
— Audra (@AudraABon) July 29, 2024
The music of Djokovic’s violin shows his bitterness even when he wins.
— Dominic J Stevenson (@APortraitWriter) July 29, 2024
Rafa Nadal addresses retirement talk after Olympics
The manner in which Nadal was defeated on his favourite surface certainly prompted questions over whether this would be his last singles match. Nadal is still in the doubles draw with Carlos Alcaraz and is hoping to medal for his country.
However, the Spaniard was quick to shut down talks of retirement so quickly after his loss to Djokovic. "I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it's going to be or not going to be my last match. I come here. I try my best. I play," he said. "And when I decide to stop playing or when I decide to keep going, I will let you know."
Nadal admitted he knew it would be a tough task to defeat the No.1 seed with his body not producing the same tennis as a decade ago. "Playing against Novak without creating damage to him, and without having the legs of 20 years ago, is almost impossible," said Nadal.
RELATED:
Fans erupt over Aussie act on podium after O'Callaghan and Titmus epic
Nathan Cleary's one-word message to Mary Fowler after Matildas win
When Djokovic was asked if that could have been his final game against his rival, he didn't want to rule the legendary Spaniard out just yet. "Of course it can be, but we don't know that," he said.
"I just hope for the sake of our rivalry, and the sport, in general, that we'll get to face each other once, maybe a few times, on different surfaces, in different parts of the world, because I feel like it can only benefit the sport."