2024 Paris Olympics Day 4: Swiatek, Gauff, Zverev Headline; Djokovic Rolls Rafa

The men took the spotlight Monday with Novak Djokovic trouncing Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in a highly-anticipated second round collision.

The Serb stormed out 6-1, 4-1 on a lackluster, stiff looking Nadal before the Spaniard made things interesting leveling the match.

Djokovic fought off the nerves, the crowd and Nadal’s improved play taking the last two games.

“At 6-1, 4-0, I got a little bit too comfortable,” Djokovic said after. “At 4-1 I played a little sloppy service game and you can’t give any chances to Nadal because he is going to use them and comeback. Especially on this court. The crowd getting involved but it was a crucial game at 4-4, trying to break his serve and then serve against the wind with new balls.

“It was a very close encounter but I am very pleased with the way I played.”

In the evening, Carlos Alcaraz eased past Tallon Griekspoor to make the the last 16 in Paris. Alcaraz had a bit of an injury scare to his groin area late in the match.

“It’s kind of normal this pain. I felt it before, I’ve been dealing with this problem before… in my adductor,” Alcaraz said. “I know how to deal with this pain. I think it’s not going to be serious so I’m going to be ready for for the doubles tomorrow.”

Tuesday, with expected temperatures in the 90s, the top two women are in action with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

Gauff opens play against Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic in a first-time meeting. And in the evening, Iga Swiatek looks to reach her first Olympic quarterfinal against China’s Wang Xiya. Swiatek defeated Wang back in the first round at Madrid.

Barbora Krejcikova faces Elina Svitolina and also as part of a full day of women’s third round, Maria Sakkari meets Marta Kostyuk.

For the men, Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are in second round play along with Alexander Zverev who continues his gold medal defense. Daniil Medvedev is on at night.

Alcaraz, if healthy, is back with Nadal to take on Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof. Andy Murray also resumes his final event.

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