Roland Garros .. Nadal defeats Djokovic and advances to the semi-finals

Image source: AFP

Spaniard Rafael Nadal qualified for the semi-finals of the French Open, "Roland Garros", after defeating his historical rival, Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6.

With his victory in this match, which lasted more than four hours, Nadal will face German Alexander Zverev, ranked third in the world, in the last four, and the winner of the promising Spaniard Carlos Alcaras.

The Roland Garros champion, who lost to world number one Djokovic in the semi-finals here last year, arrived 13 times in Paris after two injuries that hampered his preparations.

Having already survived a five-set meeting with Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last round, the Spaniard, who has lost only three times at the French Open since his debut in 2005, knows every meter on the impressive Court Philippe Chatrier for Djokovic to pay for.

The Serbian player still has 20 major titles after being denied participation in the Australian Open this year due to a decision by the local authorities after refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, to crown Nadal with the title.

On the day Spain's promising Carlos Alcaraz, who many describe as the successor to his veteran compatriot, bid farewell to the tournament, Nadal began to strike the defending champion Djokovic in an exciting start to the match played in the lights.

Djokovic returned to the match by winning the second set in 88 minutes, but Nadal, 35, supported by the Paris fans, managed to settle the victory in four sets, despite falling in the fourth, to set up a date with German Alexander Zverev to book a place in the final next Sunday.

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