Rafael Nadal brushes off ideas Against Novak Djokovic at the Olympics, the tennis pair's "final dance"
Another battle between the two tennis icons appears to be on tap for the Paris Olympics, although it may not be the last time fans get to see the legendary duo face off.
prativad 
Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis player, turned 38 last month.
Due to a number of physical setbacks in recent years, the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion raised speculation that he would soon retire from the sport he has controlled for so long.
However, Nadal made every effort to refute any suggestion that his legendary career will come to an end during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Shortly after the opening round of men's doubles matches at Roland Garros, where he has won the French Open 14 times, Nadal hinted his longtime rivalry with Novak Djokovic is nowhere near its ending.
"Who say that's last dance?" Nadal quipped when asked if he was prepared for a possible "last dance" with Djokovic in singles competition during the Summer Games.
Nadal is scheduled to face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in the opening round of men's singles Sunday. The Spaniard previously seemed uncertain if he would compete against Fucsovics, saying, "I don't know if I'm going to play or not," according to The Associated Press.
Nadal noted that he wanted to discuss his plans for Sunday's competition after he finished playing on Saturday "and then make the smartest decision possible to have the best chances to bring [a] medal back home."
If Nadal defeats Fucsovics, he would earn a spot in the second round, which is where he would likely face Djokovic.
The Serbian and all-time major singles title record holder expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete against Nadal — especially if it would indeed be for a final time.
"If we get to face each other, it's going to be possibly the last time we're going to face each other on a big stage," Djokovic said. "So, I'm sure that people would enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it, and I'll be ready for that matchup."
Nadal and Djokovic have not gone head-to-head since the quarterfinal at the French Open in 2022. Nadal outlasted Djokovic in that meeting. He went on to win his 14th title at Roland Garros.
"Playing him is like finals, in any tournament," Djokovic said. "Particularly here, knowing what he has achieved and what he's done for our sport, but particularly here at Roland Garros, his record speaks for itself."
Nadal said playing in Saturday's doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz was "emotional."
"[It was] an emotional night, an electrifying night, amazing crowd," Nadal said. "To play with Carlos on this court has been so special. I'm just super happy about the victory. It gives us a chance to keep going."
