Image Source: LA Times
Rafael Nadal advanced to the semifinals of the French Open early Wednesday after defeating longtime adversary and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros.
Nadal won 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in the 59th installment of the legendary rivalry between the two all-time tennis greats (4).
The quarterfinal match, which ended at 1 a.m. local time in Paris, was one of the most anticipated of the tournament.
The 35-year-old Spaniard is aiming for a record-tying 14th French Open victory as well as a record-tying 22nd major championship.
The semifinals will pit Nadal against German Alex Zverev. On Tuesday, Zverev, the world No. 3, advanced after defeating Carlos Alcaraz, a 19-year-old Spaniard and world No. 6 in four sets.
Nadal has beaten Djokovic 29 times in their head-to-head meetings, more than any other two men in the sport’s professional era.
Nadal has played 113 matches at Roland Garros in his storied career, winning 110 of them. Two of Djokovic’s three losses in Paris can be attributed to him.
But, might this be Nadal’s final French Open? The 13-time Roland Garros champion, who is suffering from a nagging foot issue, doesn’t seem to be sure.
Following his five-set victory in the round of 16 over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday, Nadal stated, “I didn’t know whether I would be able to be here two and a half weeks ago, even if I had (good hopes) after Rome. So I’m just relishing the fact that I have another year here. And, to be honest, I don’t know if every match I play here will be my last in my tennis career at Roland Garros.”
He told reporters after his four-set victory over Djokovic that it was “one of those unforgettable evenings” and that he was “putting everything” into “playing this tournament in the greatest conditions possible.”
“Since the beginning of the event, the crowd has been incredible,” remarked Nadal. “I’m not sure what I’m saying. They’re undoubtedly well aware that I won’t be back (for a long time).”
When asked if he feels any extra pressure knowing that any given match could be his last, Nadal said no.
“I have no idea what might occur. I believe, as I previously stated, that I will participate in this tournament because we are preparing for it. However, I am unsure of what will happen after this “He expressed himself.
“I’ve got what I’ve got in the foot, so if we can’t find an improvement or a modest solution on that, it’s going to be extremely difficult for me.”
“I’m simply enjoying every day at Roland Garros without thinking much about what can happen in the future,” Nadal said, adding that he’ll “keep working to find a solution.”
Djokovic congratulates Nadal after the match, stating he was “really happy” for him “he demonstrated why he is such a great champion Staying psychologically tough and finishing the contest the way he did were impressive feats.”
“I gave it my all,” the world number one stated, “but I know I could have done better.”
“I’m pleased of how hard I fought and how long I stayed till the final shot was fired. As I previously stated, I was defeated today by a better player in a four-hour match, and I must accept my defeat.”
