Hyped as the ‘last dance’ for one of sport’s greatest rivalries, Novak Djokovic’s dominance was on full display to dismantle Spain’s Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Paris Olympics.
In their 60th meeting, Djokovic slightly edged the head-to-head record 30-29, but the Spaniard had won five of the past six encounters on clay.
Walking out onto Court Philippe Chatrier for perhaps the final time of his decorated career, Nadal was welcomed by rapturous applause - a stadium in which he has lifted the Roland Garros trophy 14 times.
In truth, it was never a contest in the opening set, as Djokovic's return game was impeccable to suffocate his rival and apply the pressure early on.
That pressure soon took its toll, as Nadal quickly found himself 0-5 down - one game away from being bageled on the Parisian clay for the first time.
Despite avoiding that piece of unwanted history and slowly discovering his groove, Djokovic failed to be unfazed by the occasion and lack of support to move within one set of victory.
Another early double break for 4-0 almost put the clash to bed, until a quickfire burst of exuberant energy sprung Nadal into life.
A slight lift in intensity helped the king of clay salvage one of the breaks back as the famous "RAFA, RAFA, RAFA" chant echoed around Centre Court - claiming three consecutive games to pile the pressure back on the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
30-40, second break point, with the chance to tie the set at 4-4 - Nadal produced another insane rally to keep himself in the point with the odds firmly stacked against him. The respected never-say-die attitude came to the fore when he desperately needed it.
But how often has Djokovic immediately broken back after suffering from disappointment? Again, he showed what champions are made of - earning the break and ultimately serving for the match to crush Nadal's campaign in the process.
A warm embrace at the net between the pair eventuated in what is likely Nadal's final professional singles match, let alone in the city of Paris where he has experienced his most memorable moments.
Searching for that elusive Olympic gold medal, the Serbian star awaits the winner of Matteo Arnaldi and Dominik Koepfer in the third round.
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