Rafael Nadal is very pleased that he has qualified for the semifinals of Roland Garros at the expense of Novak Djokovic. The 21-time Grand Slam winner could not hold back his tears after the match, which ended well into the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.
After four hours and twelve minutes, the scoreboard was 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 and 7-6 (4) in favor of 35-year-old Nadal, who still has his 22nd Grand Slam in sight. title and his fourteenth overall win at Roland Garros.
“This is emotional,” said Nadal, wiping the tears from his eyes. He thanked the spectators at Court Philippe-Chatrier extensively in French. “Merci, merci, merci, merci. This is the most important and special job of my tennis career.”
The Spaniard enjoyed the atmosphere during the match against Djokovic. “The atmosphere was great, the support from the public very special. Novak is without a doubt one of the best tennis players ever. It is always a huge challenge to compete against him,” he said.
“We have a long history together and this was another historic match. There is only one way to beat him. That is to play your best from the first to the last point.”
Nadal came back from a 5-2 deficit in the fourth set and decided the match in the tiebreak. “This was a magical evening for me. I reached an unexpectedly high level. I’ll see you again in two days.”
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic made it a wonderful match.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic made it a wonderful match. Photo: Reuters
Djokovic: ‘I lost to a better player’
The 35-year-old Djokovic, who remains at twenty Grand Slam titles due to his defeat, took his loss in a sporting way. The number one in the world was only full of praise for Nadal.
“He has shown why he is a great champion. Congratulations to him and his team. He deserves this anyway. I lost to a better player today,” Djokovic said afterwards.
“Especially in the important moments he was better. When I won the second set I felt like I was completely back in the game. But after that Rafael had two or three fantastic games. exceptional level.”
Nadal, who is fifth in Paris, will face Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. The German was too strong for top talent Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic will have to wait a little longer for his 21st Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic will have to wait a little longer for his 21st Grand Slam title. Photo: Reuters