Djokovic defeats Nadal in an all-time classic semi-final match in Paris
The third set, which was made up of 93 minutes of magnificent tennis, is being touted as some of the best tennis played ever.
Novak Djokovic, the world number 1 triumphed over Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 at the semi-finals of the French Open to book a berth in the finals with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
This was Rafael Nadal’s third ever loss in the past 16 years of playing at Roland Garros, he is dubbed the ‘King of Clay’ for his record 13 French Open championships.
The two rivals have met 58 times, with half of those encounters taking place in finals. However, the tennis community has already dubbed their most recent match as an instant classic. Many predicted a whitewash like last year's straight-set final, but Nadal rattled off the opening five points. In the second set, Djokovic escaped the bagel and fought back.
The third set, which was made up of 93 minutes of magnificent tennis, is being touted as some of the best tennis played ever.
The which lasted four hours 11 minutes, made the 5,000-strong audience erupted in cries of "On partira pas, on partira pas (We won't leave, we won't leave)" as the 11pm Covid-19 curfew loomed nearby. Then, as the stadium announcer informed, “In agreement with the national authorities, the match will come to an end in your presence.” This was welcomed by the French crowd who erupted in cries of ‘Merci Macron’ in reference to the French President.
Djokovic in his post-match press conference said, "Definitely, the best match that I was a part of in Roland Garros for me and the top three matches that I have ever played in my entire career. Considering the quality of tennis, playing my biggest rival on the court where he has had so much success and has been a dominant force in the last 15+ years and the atmosphere which was completely electric. For both players there was a lot of support. Just amazing!"
As the world number one prepares to play world number five Stefanos Tsitsipas, he will be aiming for his second French Open championship as well as a 19th Grand Slam victory, putting him only one championship behind his bitter rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both have 20 titles. The Serbian had won the Australian Open for the record eighth time earlier this year, and he would be looking forward to clinching that Roland Garros trophy.
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