 "R Vaishali makes history at FIDE Grand Swiss as Arjun Erigaisi misses out on Candidates spot")
 "With 25th Grand Slam looking increasingly uncertain, Novak Djokovic could fulfill another dream next year")
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clash for the 58th time on Friday on the same court where they first met 15 years ago with a place in the French Open final at stake. It is tennis’s greatest modern rivalry between two men who have harvested 38 Grand Slam titles and 72 Masters between them. Djokovic has spent more weeks at world number one than any other player while 13-time French Open winner Nadal has not been out of the top 10 in 16 years. Nadal will start Friday’s semi-final as favourite, buoyed by his record of 105 wins and just two losses in his Roland Garros career. The 35-year-old also has the edge over Djokovic on clay with a 19-7 career lead and 7-1 in Paris. Djokovic hasn’t beaten Nadal on the surface since Rome in 2016. This match-up overshadows Friday’s other semi-final between Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany. They have met seven times but just once on clay in Madrid in 2019 when Tsitsipas triumphed. The 22-year-old Tsitsipas is in his third successive semi-final at the Slams and took Djokovic to five sets in the last four at Roland Garros in 2020. He arrived in Paris with clay court titles this year in Monte Carlo and Lyon and had a match point to beat Nadal in the Barcelona final. Zverev is in his first semi-final at Roland Garros having almost fallen at the first hurdle against 152nd-ranked compatriot Oscar Otte. (inputs from AFP)
French Open 2021 Match Highlights, men's semi-finals: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to enter final
French Open 2021: Follow live score and updates from the men’s semi-finals featuring Alexander Zverev vs Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal.
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Djokovic vs Tsitsipas in the final
So the men’s singles final will see Novak Djokovic take on Stefanos Tsitsipas. There will be no Rafael Nadal who has finally been conquered. His record now reads 105-3. But before we get to that final on Sunday, we have the women’s final today featuring Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Barbora Krejcikova. Join us tomorrow. Good night!
Nadal: 105-3
Rafael Nadal has been beaten for just the third time at the French Open. He has now been beaten once by Robin Soderling and twice by Novak Djokovic. This is his first defeat since 2015. What a run!
Game, set, match Novak Djokovic!
Novak Djokkovic is into the French Open final after beating Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 in four hours and 11 minutes. What a thrilling match. Both players were incredible. Quite possibly the best match in recent memory at the French Open. He still has one more to win to take the title.
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal serving to stay in the match and in the French Open. He starts with a double fault, third of the set and eighth overall. Djokovic with massive forehand to catch Nadal off and on to 0-30 we go. Nadal misses a backhand now and Djokovic has three match points. Nadal saves one with a forehand winner. Nadal looks to find the sideline on the backhand but misses. Novak Djokovic is through to the French Open final
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 5-2 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Just when it looked like Rafael Nadal looked down. Injured. He rocks into his forehand smacks an unreturnable shot. Crowd roars and chants “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” But Djokovic not giving an inch either. Finds the angles and the lines perfectly on the next point to force a mistake. At 15-30, a double fault from Djokovic. Just his third of the match. Djokovic with the perfect response again. Angled serve, reduced pace and Nadal can’t connect properly. At 40-30, Djokovic with a drop shot winner. How on earth are these two real!
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 4-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic is in serious form right now. Even if it is Nadal across the net. Finding the lines, testing the line officials by going to extreme depths. Nadal with a near mishit, didn’t catch it properly and it goes wide. And that brings with a break point for Djokovic. He is 6/19 break points tonight. This time, too, Djokovic hits the line. Fourth time in the game that Djokovic has hit the line. BREAK! Four straight games for Djokovic.
This is not the tennis we play. It is something else…
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 3-2 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
From being broken fairly easily at the start of the fourth set, Djokovic has picked up remarkably. He now holds to love with two aces in it
Pretty much all of us!
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 2-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Been a strange day. Nadal has had way too many unforced errors and now seven double faults. Djokovic on to the serve in a flash, Nadal gets one back but not the second. Two break points. BROKEN! Nadal sends his backhand long and the fourth set is back on serve
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 1-2 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
A love hold for Novak Djokovic. He quickly motors to the chair and both players are getting their juices, fluids and energy supplements in. Justified given what we’ve seen so far…
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 0-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Now Djokovic putting the pressure on the Nadal serve. Doesn’t help with Nadal serving a double fault – his sixth of the match. Nadal with great hitting, finding the angles, Djokovic with the defensive gets before Spaniard sends a drop shot that catches Novak off guard. He shouts at his box in frustration. Djokovic makes an error and Nadal has the chance to solidify his lead. And he does it! Nadal with great use of forearm to flick a ball deep into the court. What a shot!
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 0-1 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
BREAK! Rafael Nadal breaks to start the fourth set. Djokovic with a poor serve and allowed too much time to Nadal to whip a forehand which the Serb fails to get back.
CROWD CAN STAY!
In good news for this match, the curfew, which kicks in at 11 PM local time (or in 15 minutes), has been waved off. The crowd can stay and the fans have applauded the decision.
Stats from the third set
UPSET ALERT!
Third set: Novak Djokovic 7-6
Novak Djokovic takes the third set 7-6 and is now two sets to one up. The Serb has a two sets to one lead over the 13-time French Open champion. He is closer to ending Nadal’s unbeaten run. Djokovic takes the third set 7-6 in 92 minutes after both players traded couple of blows early on.
Third set tiebreak:
4-3: Djokovic finds the angle once, and then once more to wrong foot Nadal. Great shot making from both players.
6-4: ACE! Down the T goes Novak Djokkovic and brings up set point.
THIRD SET NOVAK DJOKOVIC! Djokovic gets to the drop shot by Nadal, it isn’t well placed and the Spaniard misses.
Third set tiebreak
1-0: Nadal to get the third set tiebreak underway. And he starts with a double fault.
1-1: Djokovic tries to send the ball deep only to send it long. Mini break apiece.
2-1: Djokovic makes no errors this time. Finds the sideline for a forehand winner.
2-2: Fantastic retrieving from Nadal, from both sides of the court and side spin gets the better of Djokovic who nets his shot.
2-3: Djokovic looks to go for the backhand winner down the line but misses.
3-3: Djokovic controls the power on his volley and we’re all even at the change of ends
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-6 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic has his serve under pressure once again. He is fighting – as expected – but this is not as comfortable as it looked couple of games earlier. Djokovic finds the angle and Nadal’s defensive shot sails wide. A forehand winner, from you-know-who, to bring the game to deuce. This is nuts. And now we have another breathtaking rally. Djokovic looks to be in command of the point, Nadal is moved and pushed but he keeps getting the ball back only for the Serb to send forehand into the net. Set point for Nadal. Djokovic saves it with a perfect drop shot. It was perfect and yet Nadal gets his racket to it. Novak pushes the Spaniard wide and forces him into going over the highest part of the net. Nadal tries but finds the net. And once again. ON TO THE TIEBREAK!
TENNIS! ❤️
He’s been part of some incredible matches. He should know!
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 5-6 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Djokovic with a fantastic return to put Nadal under pressure and then gets in place for a winner. 30-30 and this is not plain sailing for Nadal at French Open. Not by a long shot. He looks to find the sideline with a forehand but it is narrowly wide. On most occasions, he would make that 99 times out of 100. Today is that exception. And saves the break point with a smash from the baseline. As you will. Smash from the baseline to save break point at 5-5 in the third set of a Grand Slam semi-final. On to deuce. This is hard to describe! Nadal gets luck of the net, Djokovic with an angled drop of his own, Nadal pushes the ball deep and Djokovic gets to it with a defensive shot and Nadal’s return is into the net. Another break point. And a forehand winner! Nadal is pumped. The crowd roars! From deuce, Nadal with an unreturned serve and then an ace. HOLD!
The shot clock not being adhered to properly
Nadal getting the third seed is a joke.
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 5-5 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic serving for the third set and you could argue for the match. Starts by reading the Nadal drop pick up well for a volley winner. Nadal looks to find the line with a forehand winner but it goes long. Djokovic misses a simple forehand and is that the pressure telling? For normal beings, sure. For Djokovic? Maybe not. Djokovic approaches the net from a backhand but there is little on it to bother Nadal. He moves swiftly across and the backhand winner lands in. 30-30. A forehand winner for Nadal now. He missed it the last time but not this time. Break point and a huge, huge point. CONVERTED! Djokovic sends the backhand wide and Nadal has the crowd roaring. BREAK!
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 5-4 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Djokovic with an insane forehand winner. Flick of the wrist at the last moment and it lands in. Just about but that’s the level we’re at. And on the next point, Nadal finds the extreme angle of the court with a forehand winner. Djokovic can only smile in disbelief. Nadal holds in the end.
HIGH QUALITY STUFF ON COURT PHILIPPE CHATRIER!
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 5-3 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
After a good start to the game, Djokovic with two unforced errors, taking his tally in this set to just 3, and we’re on to 30-30. Make that 4 as Djokovic finds the net. That point should have been over two or three shots before but for Nadal’s never-say-die attitude. On break point, Djokovic gets a time violation warning. Long time coming – for either players. Saved with a huge forehand that even Nadal can’t get back. Or just this time. Now a backhand winner by wrong footing Nadal. Now, Djokovic misses on the backhand and on to deuce again. Nadal sends a routine backhand long and he’s upset. That’s a gift for Novak. And now another. Nadal rocks to his forehand and the serve return is wide. Huge hold for Djokovic.
Hate tweets coming ATP’s way in 3, 2…
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 4-3 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Zero respite for Nadal. After that resolute effort to break back, Nadal is broken. To love. A poor serve effort from Rafa. Errors piling up and the momentum is back with Djokovic once again. Both players needing some refreshments at the break as the intensity picks up. Nadal has the ice towel around.
You said it, Andy!
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 3-3 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal looking vulnerable. Muttering to himself, to his team and cribbing about things as his errors count grow while Djokovic keeps his down. Is he out? Not by a mile. Djokovic goes for serve and volley on a well angled serve only for Rafa to send a backhand winner cross court. Draws an applause from Novak. And a double break point chance for Nadal now. Djokovic with a drop shot but the lob is not well placed. Nadal gets to it, the shot hits the tape and goes over to make it impossible for Djokovic to control the volley. On first break point, Nadal nets his backhand. Wasn’t a tough ball, not much on it and didn’t have the depth, yet Djokovic forcing Nadal to overdo things. ASTOUNDING RALLY! GET-OFF-YOUR-SET-APPLAUD stuff! Both with staggering shots on both sides, side-to-side, incredible gets and angles, before Djokovic finds the winner behind Nadal. The crowd roar in approval. Chants of “Novak! Novak! Novak!” ring around Philippe Chatrier. Two break points come and gone now. He now has a third by finally finding the depth and angle from the sidelines. AND BREAK! Djokovic tries to push Nadal to the side, once and the twice, tries to add pressure only for Nadal to whip a forehand winner down the line. UNBELIEVABLE!
How do you explain this?
An hour and 15 minutes to curfew
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 3-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Nadal sends his backhand wide and his unforced error count this set rises to 7 and 32 in the match! None for Novak thus far and 22 in the match. And now a complete mishit from Nadal on an overhead. You don’t have that often. A real look for Djokovic now. 15-30. And another error in attempt at going deep. Two break points for Djokovic. Nadal gets the drop shot over and Djokovic is on to it, has the under spin on it but it hits the tape. Jelena with her hands on her hand in disbelief! On second break point, Nadal pulls out an ace! Side-to-side, cross courts, gorgeous angles from both and then Nadal goes for the winner down the line but overcooks it. Another break point and this one is converted! Nadal’s drop shot hits the net this time and Djokovic leads for the first time in the match. BREAK!
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 2-2 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Love hold for Novak Djokovic as Rafael Nadal sends his shot wide. A first love hold since the opening game of the second set
Novak Djokovic* 3-6, 6-3, 1-2 Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Djokovic with a jaw-dropping drop shot from absolutely nowhere. After going side-to-side, he suddenly drops his wrist and the drop shot is perfectly placed and well disguised that Nadal doesn’t even move for it. Nadal with a backhand going long and Djokovic has a look at 15-30. Nadal with a slowed-down angled backhand and Djokovic with a well returned defensive shot only for Rafa to get in position for a forehand winner. Djokovic has break point after changing direction of his forehand and Rafa’s defensive response goes long. Beautiful serve out wide and then short ball is thrashed for a winner. Another break point now for Djokovic with Nadal piling up the errors. Saved! Djokovic forced into an error and we’re back to deuce. Nadal with a huge shout out at the end of that point. Big forehand is followed by a smash and chance for Rafa to hold. And Nadal holds after saving two break points.
Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-3, 1-1 *Rafael Nadal (*denotes next server)
Close look at the Djokovic groundstrokes and you notice bit of a side-arc to his forehand to get the ball to jump higher while the backhand is straighter and more “traditional”. Anyway, he holds serve with an ace, just his second of the match, down the T.