The fact that time moves on without you realizing is a bitter pill to swallow. From 1998 to 2024, an era of tennis greats in ATP has flown by, giving beautiful moments to the circuit. The era of the Big 3! Fast forward to 2024, it’s Rafael Nadal’s turn to take the last bow at the quadrennial event. And it seems that everyone knows the fact as they rush forward to freeze the memory of the legend in Paris. As they did with Novak Djokovic back in Tokyo, as the world looked out for rays of positivity during the harsh time of the pandemic.

Nobody expected that Nadal would be playing on clay again, after his first-round exit at Roland Garros just around two months ago. However, nothing is more serene in tennis than watching the King of Clay grove on his favorite surface. And, finally, the Paris Olympics are here, and so are the two of the Big 3, Nadal and Djokovic. While in Tokyo, Djokovic was the center of attraction. But in Paris, it’s the legend from their neighboring nation: Nadal takes the pedestal now. As Djokovic prepares for the missing Olympic glory by staying outside the Olympic village, the Spaniard’s presence has driven every tennis fan to a frenzy!

As Ed Sheeran would say, “We keep this love in this photograph, we made these memories for ourselves.” That’s what everyone is rushing into the Olympic Village for—the memory of the 22-time Grand Slam champion in a photograph at the Olympic Village. The same scenario played out in Tokyo with the Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic, in the absence of Nadal and Federer.

It started in 1998, when Roger Federer entered the circuit; fast forward to 2001, he found his rival, who had accompanied him until the end in Nadal. And the harmony between the two players was disrupted when the third Djoker came in in 2003. But as the end for the other Big 3 players approaches, Djokovic chooses to stand at the side as fans-who themselves are some of the greatest names in their sports-have a moment with Nadal.

Maybe a sign of respect from the fellow great, in addition to ensuring his recovery after a terrific run at Wimbledon. Whatever the reason, if someone knows the nooks and corners thoroughly of Nadal’s game is the Serbian ace.

Novak Djokovic’s tribute to his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal

When two players clash for a whooping 59 times, they certainly would know the ins and outs of each other’s game. Nadal was the toughest opponent to beat on the clay court, where he won 14 Grand Slams. And seldom came a moment that someone was able to match his level and take the crown. Djokovic was one of them, as he acknowledged that the Spaniard represents the zenith of clay.

He said, “He has been the greatest rival that I ever had. Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career. It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal, because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title.”

Nadal is back on clay for both singles and doubles, the latter with the blazing Carlos Alcaraz. The legend is certainly looking for a winning exit from the tennis circuit. Could he pull off the miracle? Everyone is waiting at the edge of their seats to find the answer.