As Rafael Nadal competed for his 15th French Open title on Monday, Novak Djokovic, who is also set to feature in his first-round match the following day, was seated in the Philippe-Chatrier Arena watching. This gesture sat well with sports journalist Jon Wertheim.In what might be the last match of his career at the French Open, Rafael Nadal competed against Alexander Zverev in the first round of the 2024 edition of the tournament. Nadal, with a record 14 French Open titles to his name, and Alexander Zverev coming into the tournament in fine form, their clash was highly anticipated.In a match with about 15,000 spectators at the Philippe-Chatrier arena, Alexander Zverev defeated the Spaniard 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. Amongst the spectators was his fierce rival Novak Djokovic, seated in the crowd. Sports journalist Jon Wertheim applauded Djokovic's gesture of attending the match despite having his first-round match the following day against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Wertheim also commended Carlos Alcaraz and WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek for coming to watch as well.“The notion that Novak (who plays tomorrow) and Alcaraz —and Iga—are all in the stands watching...is extraordinary. #rolandgarros” Worthiem tweeted.Iga Swiatek, who has previously won the French Open three times, won her first-round match against Leolia Jeanjean in straight sets on Monday. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, who is aiming for his third Grand Slam title, defeated Jeffrey John Wolf in the first round on Sunday.Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have clashed ten times at the French OpenLaver Cup 2022 - PreviewsThe rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic is one of the sport's greatest. At the French Open, the duo has faced-off 10 times, with their first match dating back 18 years. Of their 10 encounters, Djokovic has only won twice.Their first meeting was in the quarterfinal of the 2006 edition of the French Open, where Djokovic had to retire due to an injury. Nadal eventually went on to clinch his second title at the tournament.He then defeated Djokovic five consecutive times at the tournament, including two finals and three semifinals.Djokovic's first win against the former World No.1 at the French Open came in 2015 when he defeated the Spaniard in the quarterfinals. Djokovic, however, lost in the final to Stan Wawrinka.The next time Djokovic won against the Spaniard was in the semifinal of the 2021 edition, where the Serb went on to lift the title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.The last time the two greats faced off at the French Open was in the quarterfinal of the 2022 edition. Nadal won the four-set match 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4).