Rafael Nadal hints potential Novak Djokovic match won't be last - ESPN

PARIS — With many from around the world giving Rafael Nadal his proverbial flowers at these Summer Olympics, the famed tennis champion tried convincing them Saturday night his career is far from over.

After putting on a strong, energetic and, at times, vintage performance in the opening round of men's doubles matches at Roland-Garros, Nadal hinted that he doesn't think the book on his longtime rivalry with fellow Grand Slam champ Novak Djokovic is about to close.

Asked if he was ready for a potential «last dance» with Djokovic in singles competition during the Olympics, Nadal had a quick quip.

«Who say that's last dance?» he said.

Nadal, who is representing Spain at the Olympics, made the comment to English-speaking media in the post-match mixed zone following the 7-6(4), 6-4 victory he and doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz posted over Argentina's Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez.

The comment came moments after Nadal had also expressed uncertainty about even playing in Sunday's opening-round singles competition against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics.

According to The Associated Press, Nadal said: «I don't know if I'm going to play or not.»

He added that he wanted to consult with his team after Saturday's action «and then make the smartest decision possible to have the best chances to bring [a] medal back home.»

But if Nadal is going to bring back a medal for singles play — let alone face Djokovic for a 60th career time — he will have to play Sunday. A win over Fucsovics would advance Nadal into a second-round match against Djokovic on Monday or Tuesday.

Earlier Saturday, Djokovic, who is representing his native Serbia, said he was excited about their potential final meeting.

«If we get to face each other, it's going to be