World number 1 Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable when he defeated the 13-time French Open champion in Roland Garros’ semi-finals on Friday. This is the first time that Nadal has lost a semi-final in the clay court Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros on Friday in an all-time classic (Reuter Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 in the second semifinals
- Nadal has only lost three times to Roland Garros since 2005, twice to Djokovic
- The number 1 in the world, Djokovic, will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the men’s singles final on Sunday
Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable when the world’s number 1 player became the first player in history to defeat 13-time champion Rafael Nadal in the Roland Garros men’s singles semi-finals and reach the 2021 French Open final.
Djokovic became the first player in history to beat Nadal twice at the Roland Garros when he scored a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 against what is considered the greatest in just over 4 hours Player of the world is tennis history on the clay court.
Nadal has only lost three games in his entire career at the Clay Court Grand Slam since his debut in 2005. The Spaniard had won the last 4 titles in Paris, part of his collection of 20 slams, the most common with Roger Federer in tennis history.
Djokovic makes it into the final of the French Open for the fifth time, and in 2016 he won the tournament once. It’s also the first time Nadal has lost at Roland Garros after winning the first set.
4 hours and 11 minutes
You deserve that smile @DjokerNole!#Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/75wWsWNUwY
– Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
“First of all, I would like to say that it is a privilege to be on this court with Rafael Nadal. The biggest game I have ever played here in Paris. Also the best game with the best atmosphere for both players.”
“To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis. It’s hard to find the words to sum up my feelings,” said a relieved Djokovic after the game.
Djokovic could now be the only man next to Rod Laver and Roy Emerson to win each of the four Grand Slam tournaments twice. In the final on Sunday he will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas.
It will be the 29th career grand slam final for Djokovic and the first for Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas defeated Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
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