One last battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic has begun! While only one of them can make it to the victory side, and looking into the first set and witnessing the Serbian tennis player drop shots one after the other, the match should definitely be recorded in history. However, at the same time, looking into the flawed display against Djokovic makes fans feel for the Spaniard.

For the 60th time in their illustrious careers, Nadal and Djokovic have squared off. Since 2006, they have fought ten times at Roland Garros, with Nadal winning eight of them. Despite his supremacy on the French clay, the 38-year-old tennis player has acknowledged Djokovic as the “clear favorite” in their most recent match because of injury worries and the end of his career.

Further, he added, “Of course, it’s beautiful to play against one of the two biggest rivals that I had in my career, especially on this court.” However, looking into the first set scenario, Djokovic dominance is quite clear in the tennis court, even though both of them have been attempting to obtain their usual form since the beginning of the year, but at different levels.

While the 24-time Grand Slam champion didn’t win any titles this year, his second-round opponent, on the other hand, tried to make a successful comeback. Throughout the match, the Spaniard makes unusual mistakes and displays inconsistent play, underscoring his opponent’s overwhelming superiority. Looking into that, a fan took to his Twitter account to share his reaction to the match, and wrote, “rafa when novak hits another drop shot.”

It’s a clip of Joe Biden touching his chin as if in thought, utterly defeated by what’s been presented to him. Nevertheless, tennis fans witnessing their idol battle valiantly, couldn’t help but feel sympathy for him as he struggled but ultimately gave in to Djokovic’s unrelenting pressure.

“Senior citizen abuse”: Tennis fans on Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic

Such a one-sided contest was surprising and possibly ridiculous given their long-standing animosity, which made it a source of ironic laughter. “Sorry it made me laugh,” a fan remarked. The amusement probably comes from the surprise of witnessing a typically exciting and fierce matchup that brought attention to Nadal’s challenges in a way that caused an unanticipated response.

On the other hand, another fan wrote, “We saw this coming unfortunately” and is apparently related to the unfortunate reality of Nadal’s recent form. Fans and commentators have seen firsthand how he continues to battle injuries and the inevitable aging process.

Many anticipated that Nadal would have a challenging matchup against the physically stronger Djokovic, and tagged the match as a “senior citizen abuse.” Moreover, it also emphasized how, not only did Nadal step close to retirement, but Djokovic struggled with his form while in his 30s.

Going further, another fan wrote, “Biggest mismatch in form and physical condition in the entire 60 match Rafole rivalry,” talking about how their physical conditions have changed over time. However, this particular match showcased a clear and unfortunate imbalance: Djokovic’s superior form and fitness starkly contrasted with Nadal’s visible physical struggles.

Lastly, another fan mentioned a heartbroken emoji, “💔” to share their reaction on how it’s not the same anymore. It wouldn’t be incorrect to argue that, in contrast to the exciting and intense games they are used to, it represents the fans’ emotional commitment to the rivalry and their sadness at witnessing one of their favorite players in a weakened state.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the most anticipated matchup? Do let us know in the comment section below.