Rafael Nadal proved naysayers incorrect as he showcased that he would proceed his reign on the Parisian clay by outclassing World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in an epic 4-set quarter-final match on Tuesday. The 35-year-old, who was ousted within the semi-final final yr, avenged his defeat to Djokovic and appears set to seize his 14th Roland Garros crown.
There had been doubts over Nadal’s participation in French Open 2022 as he had headed into the clay-court season after being sidelined for six weeks resulting from a rib harm. Nadal’s preparations for the clay-court Grand Slam weren’t very best as he was slowed down by a foot harm flaring up. actually, the Spaniard had headed to the Roland Garros with no title on the clay courtroom.
However, a day after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in solely his third 5-setter in 113 matches at Roland Garros, Nadal battled previous Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in 4 hours and 12 minutes.
Nadal, whereas discussing his continual harm points after the final 16 win highlighted his lack of management over the scenario, saying he by no means is aware of when the machine might cease.
“Being honest, every match that I play here I do not know if it will be the last match here in Roland-Garros in my tennis career. That is my situation now,” Nadal had mentioned.
And when Marion Bartoli requested Nadal about returning for subsequent yr, Nadal remained guarded and mentioned that his focus proper now was on Friday’s semi-final in opposition to Alexander Zverev. Notably, Nadal will battle in opposition to the German on his thirty sixth birthday.
“See you in two days, that’s all I can say,” Nadal mentioned throughout the on-court interview after his quarter-final victory.
‘MAGIC NIGHT FOR ME’
Nadal dismissed doubts over his health as he produced an unbelievable degree of tennis, particularly within the 4th set after taking place 0-2 early in opposition to Djokovic, who was trying to journey the momentum.
“It was really special. It was a very tough match, Novak is one of the best players in history and all the history we have. There is only one way to beat Novak and that is to play at your best.
“And immediately was a magic evening for me. Unexpected degree from me,” Nadal added.
Nadal improved his Roland Garros document to 110-3 as he seems set to seize a twenty second Grand Slam title and go away Djokovic and Roger Federer, who’re tied on 20 every, properly behind.