Axel May 10:11 a.m., June 03, 2022
The Spaniard Rafael Nadal returns to Roland-Garros this Friday to face the German Alexander Zverev.
The tennis star caused a sensation against Novak Djokovic on the Philippe Chatrier court on Tuesday evening, winning against the Serbian star and world number 1.
At 36, nothing seems to be able to stop Rafael Nadal.
In the Philippe Chatrier court, a sentence by the Roland-Garros aviator is written in capital letters: "Victory belongs to the most obstinate."
It is as if this quote guided the steps of Rafael Nadal when he entered the field, accompanied by the public who chanted "Rafa, Rafa!"
in the stands of the famous center court.
This Friday, he will play the semi-final of Roland-Garros against the German Alexander Zverev.
In parallel, Casper Ruud will face Marin Cilic.
If the two games promise to be formidable, Rafael Nadal, 36, proved to be solid and unexpected against Novak Djokovic on Tuesday.
"For me, Nadal is above"
The Spanish tennis star is able to transcend himself, to find a stratospheric level, to forget this painful left foot which forces him to play under medication.
For former tennis player Arnaud Di Pasquale, Rafael Nadal, fifth in the world, is the favorite for this semi-final against the German Alexander Zverev, the world number three.
Yet also author of a huge match in the previous round against the Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz.
"We are at Roland-Garros," said former tennis player Arnaud Di Pasquale.
"Something happens for Nadal on the Philippe-Chatrier. And there, against Djokovic, something happened. But Mezverev when he plays, like in the Alcatraz match, it's phenomenal. For me, Nadal is above."
>> Find Europe Matin in replay and podcast here
It's as if Rafael Nadal was already holding the Musketeers Cup in one hand, which will be awarded to the final winner on Sunday.