Rafael Nadal defeated world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 to enter the semi-finals of the French Open for the 15th time. The now 13-time Roland Garros champion will take on Germany’s Alexander Zverev for a place in the final on Sunday. Nadal took the lead in the first set, while Djokovic made a comeback in the second set. Nadal then succeeded in the third set.
World No. 1 Djokovic got off to a strong start in the fourth set but Nadal won in a one-sided tie-break. With this, Djokovic once again missed out on Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles. Both have won 20-20 titles. At the same time, Nadal has won the most 21 Grand Slams. It is worth noting that Djokovic defeated Nadal to win the French Open title last year.
Nadal is known as the king of red gravel. He has won the French Open more than 13 times and lost only three times. Djokovic has defeated only on two occasions out of three. Nadal lost in four sets to Djokovic in the semi-finals last year. Nadal also won the Australian Open this year.
Had Djokovic won the French Open 2022, he would have become the first tennis player to complete 3 career Grand Slams in the Open Era, breaking his own record. Djokovic completed his second career Grand Slam at the French Open 2021. Nadal also completed his second career Grand Slam at the Australian Open 2022.
The most important tournament of my career – Nadal said after the match, “It’s a very emotional moment for me. Thanks to all of you. The support I got from you is incredible. Everyone knows how important it is for me to play here. This is the most important tournament of my career.”
Big challenge to play against Djokovic – Nadal further said, “It was a very tough match. Djokovic is one of the best players in history. It is always a big challenge to play against him. There is only one way to play against them – from the first stay to the last, at your best. Tonight was the night of doom for me.”