Rafael Nadal Says Novak Djokovic 'Clear Favourite' In Olympics Blockbuster

Rafael Nadal insists Novak Djokovic will be the favourite when they clash at the Paris Olympics, after the Spaniard battled to victory over Marton Fucsovics in the first round on Sunday. Nadal had left his participation in the singles in doubt until the last minute because of a thigh injury, and was made to work hard for his 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory. The 38-year-old -- who has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay of Roland Garros -- believes old rival Djokovic will be favourite when they meet for the 60th time. 

"Situations are completely different for him, for me. He's being very competitive. I was not being very competitive for the last two years, so in that case, I think probably he is the clear favourite," said Nadal, who holds an 8-2 head-to-head advantage over the Serb at Roland Garros. 

"I'm going to try my best to bring the best to the court and then let's see how far I can go and how many problems I can create for him." 

The latest chapter of a generation-defining rivalry, and perhaps the final act, will bring Nadal and Djokovic full circle -- the duo having met as teenagers in their very first meeting in the 2006 Roland Garros quarter-finals.

Outside round-robin matches in the season-ending ATP Finals, their second-round encounter at the Olympics will be the earliest they have ever met at a tournament. 

"It has always been super special to play against Novak, no doubt about that," said Nadal. "But the difference is normally we have been playing for finals or for semi-finals. 

"Of course, it's an Olympics... every match is super special. But it's true that at the same time, almost every single match that I played against Novak, I arrive at it with a different situation that I am today. 

"So that makes the