French Open: Rafael Nadal advanced to the semi-finals of the French Open after a spectacular late-night duel with old nemesis Novak Djokovic.
In a match that lasted four hours and 12 minutes and ended at 1.15 a.m. local time, the Spaniard beat the defending champion and world No. 1 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to win his 14th Roland Garros championship.
“A very tough match,” said Nadal. “Novak is one of the best players in history and playing against him is always an amazing challenge. Today was another one.
“The only way to win against him is to play your best from the first point to the last. A magic night for me.”
King of clay 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/T5ZCoIn6Sk
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2022
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The 13-time Roland Garros champion, who was upset in the semi-finals by the world No. 1 here last year, arrived in Paris hobbled by ailments and a chronic foot problem.
After surviving a five-set drama in the previous round against Felix Auger Aliassime, the Spaniard, who has only lost three sets at the French Open since 2005, knew every inch of the vast Philippe Chatrier court, and Djokovic suffered the price.
After bursting out of the blocks, Rafael Nadal delivered some early blows. After winning the first 11 games, he had defending champion Djokovic on the ropes, leading by a set and 3-0 with a double break.
However, Nadal’s enthusiasm waned, and Djokovic drew level before regaining equilibrium with an 88-minute second set victory.
But, when the momentum appeared to be all his, the 35-year-old Nadal had recalibrated and stormed away with the third, backed by a partisan crowd.
Nadal saved two set points on Djokovic’s service and levelled the fourth set at 5-5 after falling behind 5-2.
A match that began in May is now taking place in June. In a tie-break, Nadal stormed to a 6-1 lead, Djokovic fought back to 6-4, but a backhand winner brought the 59th encounter between these two legends to a thrilling conclusion.
Started in May.
Ended in June. pic.twitter.com/3wsFUEriOi— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2022
For a spot in Sunday’s final, Nadal will face German third seed Alexander Zverev.
“He was a better player, I think, in the important moments,” said Djokovic. “He started very well. I didn’t start so great.
“I was gaining momentum, managed to win the second set and thought OK, you know, I’m back in the game.
“But then he had another two, three fantastic games at the beginning of the third. He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those.
“He showed why he’s a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did.”
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