Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in three-set victory to keep his hopes of an elusive Olympic gold medal alive

Novak Djokovic reached the third round of the men’s tennis tournament at the Olympic Games after beating old rival Rafael Nadal in three sets.

The record Grand Slam winner is looking for the only piece of silverware still missing from his trophy cabinet, having made short work of Nadal in the opening set at Roland Garros.

The event marked Nadal’s 14th French Open win and fans were hoping for a fairytale performance in what was expected to be his final appearance on the clay courts of Paris.

After winning the first set 6-1, Djokovic looked set to comfortably defeat Nadal in the second set of their 60th meeting, but the Spaniard recovered from a break to level the score at 4-4.

However, the Serb restored his lead in the next game before serving out the match to secure a 6-1, 6-4 victory. While Nadal’s hopes of a second singles gold were dashed, the veteran remains in the men’s doubles draw alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Novak Djokovic claimed his 31st victory over Rafael Nadal in the 60th meeting between the two tennis icons

The 37-year-old is trying to claim the only silverware still missing from his trophy cabinet

Rafael Nadal’s hopes of a second singles gold medal have been dashed, but he remains in the race for a doubles win with Carlos Alcaraz

The Games will be Djokovic’s fifth attempt at claiming a gold medal, with the 37-year-old’s best performance coming during his debut at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

He entered this year’s competition as the top-seeded player, while the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz – who defeated him in London earlier this month – poses the biggest threat to his career.

Alcaraz will face Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor later on Monday for a place in the next round. Djokovic meanwhile will play the winner of the clash between German Dominik Koepfer and Italian Matteo Arnaldi.