Nadal Shines in Olympic Opener Amid Speculation of Retirement

PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal received a warm standing ovation from fans even before stepping onto the court for his first-round match at the Paris Olympics, where he is a two-time gold medalist. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as his image appeared on the video screen, showcasing their admiration for the tennis legend. Once on the iconic red clay, Nadal showcased his trademark skills, defeating Hungary's Marton Fucsovics 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash against rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal's participation in the singles event was uncertain until the last minute, following his successful doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz. Despite doubts about his fitness, Nadal displayed flashes of his former brilliance, reminiscent of his dominant career that includes 22 Grand Slam titles. The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, with many waving Spanish flags and chanting his name, underscoring his status as a beloved figure in the sport. Fucsovics, who faced Nadal, expressed his admiration, stating it was a pleasure to compete against such a formidable opponent. Despite needing treatment for a finger injury during the match, Nadal's experience shone through as he secured crucial points, ultimately maintaining control to win the match. As speculation mounts regarding Nadal's potential retirement, his upcoming match against Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head series 30-29, promises to be a thrilling encounter, adding to the drama of this Olympic tournament.