Despite the rain in Paris, the Olympic Games began in earnest with wall-to-wall action from Day 1—from top seeds Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek winning their opening matches in singles, to the long-awaited doubles debut of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.
But when it comes to his potential second-round singles clash with Djokovic, Nadal seemed to tell press in Paris that everyone should pump the brakes a bit on the hype machine.
Read More: Paris Olympic tennis draws: Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic in the second round?
The possible match-up between the two clay-court heavyweights so early in the tournament had tennis fans reaching for their popcorn after the Olympic draw was made. And it’s no surprise why, with the 22-time Grand Slam champion, 14-time Roland Garros winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist landing in the same section as the 24-time Grand Slam champion, three-time Roland Garros winner and 2008 Beijing Games bronze medalist.
Even Djokovic said it would be “a spectacle” if they faced off, adding: “We’ll spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times. I hope we get to meet, because it will probably be one last dance for the both of us."