Rafa Nadal's stunning swipe at Novak Djokovic after Olympics flop

Rafael Nadal has been watching the Olympics intently during his preparations for his first appearance at the Citi Open and Novak Djokovic's outbursts in Tokyo also caught his attention.

Djokovic came under fire for a couple of explosive moments during his loss against Pablo Carreno-Busta in the bronze medal match, with the Serb throwing his racquet into the stands at one point as his frustrations got the better of him.

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The World No.1 was clearly frustrated at his level after losing out on the chance to become the first man in history to win a 'Golden Slam' in his loss to Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic copped criticism for his outbursts and for his withdrawal from the mixed doubles bronze medal playoff due to injury.

And now Nadal has weighed-in on the drama.

Nadal wasn't in Tokyo, having taken time off after the clay court campaign to recoup, but watched the events unfold.

"Luckily there were no people in the stands and nothing else happened, but these are things that happen from time to time," Nadal said at a press conference.

"You have to try to avoid them. The image is not the best. It is important to avoid this type of situation, and more if you are a reference for many children."

Nadal said the behaviour is 'strange' to him considering Djokovic is the World No.1, but put it down to the Serbian's competitiveness.

"In the end he is number one in the world and one of the best in history," Nadal added.

"It is strange that someone, being so successful, reacts in this way from time to time, but in the end he is very competitive and reacts like this."

Nadal is looking to get his hardcourt campaign off to a good start in an attempt to be ready for the US Open and stop Djokovic's clean sweep of the Grand Slams in 2021.

Djokovic vows to bounce back after Olympics

Djokovic said he needed time to recover from a lot of tennis in Tokyo, but vowed to bounce back.

"I know that I will bounce back. I will try to keep going for Paris Olympic Games and fight for my country to win medals," Djokovic said.

"I'm sorry that I disappointed a lot of sports fans in my country.

"But that's sport, I gave it all, whatever I had left in the tank, which was not so much. I left it out on the court."

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