Novak Djokovic (Anadolu photo)
PARIS – Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid adieu to the Paris Olympics after losing 6-1, 6-4 to his old rival and top seed Novak Djokovic in the men's singles second round on Monday.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has claimed 14 French Open titles at Roland Garros, has been dubbed the King of Clay since he first lifted the trophy here in 2005. He also took part in the torch relay at the Games' opening ceremony.
Monday's match marked the 60th clash between the two giants, with Serbian tennis great Djokovic leading the series 31-29.
Nigeria beats Australia in basketball
In basketball, Nigeria claimed a historic 75-62 win over world No. 3 Australia in their first Group B women's basketball match at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday.
The opener victory was Nigeria's first Olympic win after their success 68-64 against South Korea in Athens 2004.
Ezinne Kalu led the way for Nigeria, producing 19 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
Promise Amukamara scored 14 points and nine assists while Amy Okonkwo added 13 points and nine assists.
"It feels so good. We stuck together and we came together in adversity. This is what it is all about - you fight," Nigeria forward Amy Okonkwo said after the game.
Murjanatu Musa came off the bench to add 11 points and seven rebounds for the African champions, "D’Tigress."
Alanna Smith was the highest scorer of the Australian national team with 15 points and seven rebounds.
"We turned the ball over way too much and we were not ready to step up to the physicality of the game. Turning the ball over though was the crux of the game," forward Smith after the defeat.
Sami Whitcomb scored 13 points and Jade Melbourne finished with 11 points.
Nigeria will play against hosts France in their second game and Aussies will face world No. 5 Canada in their next Group B match in the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday.
The knockout stage of the games will be held at the Bercy Arena in Paris with the final scheduled on Aug. 11. (Xinhua/Anadolu)
