Novak Djokovic fans are convinced that Rafael Nadal is scared to face the Serbian at the Paris Olympics and have launched online conspiracy theories.
It emerged on Thursday that Nadal has picked up a thigh injury, which forced him to cancel practice, and has thrown his Olympic singles participation into doubt.
That news only landed after the draw was made, with Nadal projected to face his Big Three rival Djokovic in an epic second-round blockbuster at Roland-Garros.
While Nadal is now doubtful for the singles – he is still set to compete in doubles with Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz – which has only further raised suspicions.
‘A fully fit Nadal misses Wimbledon as he knew he had no chance to win it,’ Djokovic fan @pavyg posted on X.
‘Plays a ATP 250 desperate to win one more title, ends up losing the final to Borges. Then gets an exemption to play Olympics only to cite an injury minutes after finding out he may play Djokovic in R2.
‘I have no doubt that Nadal is absolutely fine. He won’t pull out of singles and just play doubles as that would be too blatant even for him.
‘But what he’s done by releasing this info of a potential injury is given him a tailor made excuse should he lose his singles matches.’
@DjokovicFan_ added: ‘Does anyone else find the timing strange that we are only hearing about Nadal’s injury after he found out he can play Novak Djokovic?
‘Nadal cancelled both practice sessions and complained about thigh pain after the draw was made.’
That same fan posted a photo of Nadal – claiming it was taken as the draw was made – with the Spaniard allegedly looking worried about facing Djokovic.
Djokovic himself is very keen for a possible battle against his fellow Big Three tennis legend, despite Nadal historically dominating on the clay surface.
‘It’s going to be a spectacle if we get to meet,’ the 24-time Grand Slam champion said. ‘Expect some fireworks on court, like the good old times… I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for both of us.’
On Thursday, Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya confirmed that the King of Clay was doubtful for his first-round Olympic singles match against Marton Fucsovics.
‘I can’t assure you Nadal will play,’ Moya said. ‘It was decided to rest [him on Thursday] to give him more time to recover from the setback that occurred [on Wednesday].
‘Let’s see if he can be ready [on Friday]. The most responsible thing right now with an event of this magnitude is not to force it.’
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