When two giants battle, what is expected is a high-octane match. But what if the giants are in their career twilights? As the Paris Olympics begin, Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic is what anyone can talk about. Chances are that these two will meet in the R2 and it’s giving us complicated feelings on all levels.

Both players of what’s left of the Big 3 are rooting for gold. While Djokovic has been in better form than Rafa, it’s still one of his worst years. Roland Garros will be the playground of the King of Clay, but his last title was the 2022 French Open. The ATP Bastad increased expectations but Nadal’s recent injury woes have dampened spirits again. And tennis fans are leaning in favor of one of these two.

As the draws are released for the first round, the Serbian tennis star is all set to face Matthew Ebden of Australia. On the other hand, ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal will face Márton Fucsovics in the first round. If they both defeat their opponents, the duo will meet for the 60th time. But just like the 2024 French Open, tennis fans have been in a frenzy citing clear bias against the legendary player. 

Djokovic has been leading the head-to-head tally 30-29. However, despite Nadal’s dominance on clay on which he has won 21 matches against Djokovic’s 8, his fans are unhappy.

“They don’t want Nadal to move forward…” fans fume over the Olympic draw

As soon as the draw came out, one X user wrote, “After Zverev in R1 at Roland Garros, now it’s Novak in R2 for the Olympics. Thank you for nothing goddess Fortuna. Vamos 💪🏼❤️💛❤️.” Remember, the ‘King of Clay,’ faced the German No. 1 Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open. He was ousted in the opening round of the tournament for the first time in history ever, in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. Another user claimed the draw to be partial.

Responding to the tweet, theywrote, “Obvious rigged draw because they want Nadal vs Djokovic one last time.” Nadal and Djokovic are likely playing the last Olympics of their careers. With the two the only active players of the Big Three, it would be iconic for many tennis enthusiasts to see them clash, maybe for one last time.

But just as the French Open organizers received flack for their draws not being favorable to Nadal at all, the Olympics are coming under fan fire for the same.

“One thing is who is making all these Draws for him.. either they don’t want Nadal to move forward or just they want to see Nadal potential at 38.🙏” Rafael Nadal has won the Olympic Gold medal two times in his career, one each in singles and doubles. But despite his impeccable performance, the 22-time Grand Slam winner has remained titleless for the past two years.

His injuries, surgeries, and physique have posed significant trouble for him. Hence, fans believe him to be a victim of potential bias. Another user highlighted the fate of Nadal and compared it with Iga Swiatek.

Taking to X, the user wrote, “Rafa getting Djokovic in r2, Iga getting Penko in r4, me getting nothing this Olympics.” Iga Swiatek can face Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round. Interestingly, the World No.1 has failed to win even a single match against her in their four encounters. However, they have never faced each other on clay, where the Pole excels if her four French Open singles trophies are anything to go by. But it is evident that even Swiatek has been given a superior opponent than her, at least as per the head-to-head tally.

Nevertheless, if it does end up Djokovic vs. Rafa,it might be hard to predict the winner given their largely equal record against each other as well as their recent forms. “It’s gonna 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 told Access Hollywood.

Another fan reciprocated similarly and wrote, “so they AGAIN did Rafa PLUS Iga dirty.” If 

With the tournament all set to commence shortly, it would be interesting to see if Rafael Nadal can overcome the challenges and win big in his last Olympics.