Paris (AFP)

Overthrown by Novak Djokovic after a titanic fight in the semi-finals, Rafael Nadal, 35 years old, saw his quest for a 14th coronation at Roland Garros and a 21st record trophy in Grand Slam soar .

Is this part postponed?

"Rafa" at Roland Garros, until this eruptive Friday evening, both on the court and in the stands, it was 105 victories for only two defeats since 2005. No setback for six years (not counting his forfeit before the third round in 2016) and thirteen titles in sixteen participations.

So obviously, seeing him bite the dust on the court that he has transformed into an almost impregnable fortress for fifteen years gives rise to questions.

Is there peril in the abode?

Should this be seen as a loss of control over his kingdom?

To answer in the affirmative would undoubtedly be to draw hasty conclusions.

Because to unbolt Nadal, it took an exceptional Djokovic and more than four hours of effort of crazy intensity.

"So far, it's one of the best games I've ever seen. Incredible performance by Djokovic," admired ex-world No. 1 and 2003 US Open winner Andy Roddick on Twitter in the third set. .

"You can not play better tennis on clay. It's perfect", greeted in turn Andy Murray, triple winner in Grand Slam and also ex-world No.1.

- "The years go by" -

"It's one of those nights and one of those games that will be remembered forever. The greatest game I have played here, and in the top 3 of all games of my career," said Djokovic.

# photo1

In Nadal's eyes, however, it was neither the best “Rafa” nor the best “Nole”.

"I know I can play better on this court without a doubt," he said. "But I gave everything I had physically and mentally."

"My match was not at all a disaster. But I played against one of the best players in history," continued the Spaniard, regretting that his ball did not hurt "enough".

We must not forget that before this match, Nadal was ideally launched towards a dizzying 14th title at Roland Garros.

The Mallorcan climbed to the quarterfinals without losing a single set.

And if he had known a suspicious wavering at this stage against Diego Schwartzman (10th), he had recovered brilliantly.

However, even on his beloved land, even on the Philippe-Chatrier court where he has built an extraordinary track record, "Rafa" is not eternal.

"I know that the years go by and that my chances of winning here are not forever," he admits.

- "Ascent of Everest" -

At 35 years and ten days, a place in the final of Roland-Garros would have made him the oldest player of the Open era to achieve it, ahead of another Spaniard, Andres Gimeno, winner in 1972 at 34 years and 306 days .

# photo2

When he triumphed for the thirteenth time last fall, he had already become the second oldest winner.

This time beaten, Nadal nevertheless did not admit to being defeated.

“It was an important occasion” but “I'm not the type to have big celebrations when I win, nor drama when I lose,” he explains.

"It's an important loss, but from there to dramatize, there is a world. I'm sad, of course, I lost in the most important tournament of the season for me, but life goes on," adds the Mallorcan.

"I will come back with the desire and the work it takes to give me another chance," he warns.

And one can imagine that to derail it could require still a colossal effort.

What Djokovic sums it up like this: "Every time you step onto this court next to him, you know it's like you're going to tackle the ascent of Everest."

© 2021 AFP