Novak Djokovic has held off a comeback attempt from Rafael Nadal to win their second-round Olympic clash 6-1 6-4 in the 60th - and likely last - head-to-head match-up between the two tennis greats.
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Djokovic claimed 10 of the initial 11 games, with Nadal nowhere near the skilled and ever-hustling version of himself that won a record 14 French Open trophies on the same red clay at Roland Garros.
Instead, Nadal was diminished, showing every bit of his 38 years, and looking like someone who might be ready to head into retirement after playing only sparingly the past two seasons because of a series of injuries, including hip surgery.
Then, suddenly, the indefatigable Nadal got going, making a push to turn this contest competitive, which surely no one - least of all Djokovic - found too surprising.
Nadal captured four consecutive games in the second set, including a forehand winner to break to make it 4-all.
He raised his left fist, drawing roars from a packed Court Philippe Chatrier crowd that repeatedly tried to encourage him with chants of "Ra-fa! Ra-fa!"
And that's when Djokovic, 37, regained control.
He broke right back, pointing to his left ear while walking to the sideline as if to taunt Nadal's supporters. Djokovic then served out the victory, before meeting Nadal at the net for a hug.
Djokovic owns 24 grand slam titles, and Nadal 22, the two highest men's totals in the century-plus history of the sport.
Both have been ranked No.1, and no pair of men has played each other more often in the professional era.
Australian Associated Press
