Novak Djokovic admitted he was ‘relieved’ to overcome Rafael Nadal at the Olympics after allowing his game to become ‘sloppy’.

The Serb led 6-1 4-0 in a clash of two tennis icons.

However, Nadal subsequently won four games in a row to level the second set at 4-4.

Djokovic went on to win but lamented giving Nadal the opportunity to get back into the match.

He said: "I was very relieved because everything looked like going my way, 6-1, 4-0. I got a little bit, maybe too comfortable there at 4-1.

“I played a pretty sloppy service game, and you can't give any chances to Nadal because he's going to use them. He's going to come back, especially on this court.

“The crowd getting involved was obviously very tough, but you know, crucial game at 4-4."