Djokovic Wants "Last Dance" With Nadal in Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic said he wants to play Rafael Nadal in the Summer Olympics.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could play for the last time at the Olympics. / Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

The tennis world is saying goodbye to the Big Three era. Roger Federer has already retired, and Rafael Nadal is in the midst of his goodbye tour. Novak Djokovic is still going strong, but time is not on the side of the 37-year-old.

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will likely be the final Summer Games for Nadal and Djokovic. As luck would have it, the two rivals could meet in the second round. Djokovic was drawn Thursday against Australian Matthew Ebden, and Nadal faces Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.

All of tennis' biggest stars attended 'The Prelude To The Olympics' party on Thursday night, and Access Hollywood asked Djokovic about the possibility of playing Nadal in the second round. Djokovic struck a bittersweet tone when answering the question.

#NovakDjokovic wants to play #RafaelNadal at 2024 Paris #Olympics pic.twitter.com/EvojvwHieg

— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) July 25, 2024

"It's going to be a spectacle if we get to meet. Expect some fireworks on court, like the good old times… I hope we get to meet bc it will probably be one last dance for both of us."

Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other 59 times, including in all four Grand Slam finals, with Djokovic leading 30–29 overall. Djokovic leads 15–13 in finals of all levels, while Nadal leads 11–7 at the majors, including 5–4 in major finals.

Men's and women's tennis will begin play on Saturday with the draw set for Thursday. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Andy Murray withdraws from the Olympics, marking the end of his singles career.