French Open Highlights, Day 10: Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic to move into the semis

Djokovic dethroned as World No 1

With the loss, Djokovic will not be World No 1 come 13 June and drop to World No 3. If Zverev wins the title, he will be the new top-ranked player. If Zverev doesn’t, Medvedev will be the new World No 1

Nadal in the on-court interview: “It was a very tough match. Djokovic is one of the toughest players. To win against Novak is to play your best from start to end. I’m super happy so thank you very much!”

❤️ @RafaelNadal ❤️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/xY7bD2EuSo

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2022

Nadal now 110-3 at Roland Garros

Nadal beats Djokovic in 4 hours 12 minutes to bring their head-to-head to 30-29.

Nadal at #RolandGarros: 110-3pic.twitter.com/BS6n0daeLU#RolandGarros Live: https://t.co/ZfsY1w4aN4

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) May 31, 2022

Game, set, match Rafael Nadal!

Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5) to move into the 2022 French Open semi-final where he will face Alexander Zverev. Djokovic saving three match points but unable to make it four.

Tiebreak

Nadal is taking Djokovic apart. Takes the early minibreak and now has the match on his racquet. Djokovic has the court at his mercy but Nadal stands, waits and the ball comes at him. Plays it for a winner and takes a 3-0 lead

Djokovic sends his forehand long as Nadal continues to fight, continues to defend. The Spaniard 4-1 up now

Djokovic with a missed backhand and Nadal is cruising to the win. 5-1 now for Rafa

Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-6 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Both players go through their serves with relative ease. And we’re headed for the tiebreak. Nadal hasn’t won a tiebreak vs Djokovic since 2018.

From 2006-2012: Djokovic 2-7 Nadal
From 2013-2022: Djokovic 7-2 Nadal

Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 5-4 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Both players raising their level as the fourth set nears conclusion. Djokovic and Nadal both hitting the ball and connecting perfectly. Djokovic now serving for the fourth set. Nadal makes it 0-15 with a drop shot. Djokovic brings it to 15-15 with a 191kmph ace, his fifth of the match. Nadal makes it 15-30 with a perfectly placed backhand winner down the line. Yet another handy serve, 189kmph, down the T and it is put away for a forehand winner. Another serve down the T brings up set point. Djokovic nets his backhand and that’s a chance gone begging. On deuce, Djokovic with a well placed serve and then went behind Nadal to set up the point and bring up a second set point. And this one is saved as well. Djokovic comes up to the net but the approach isn’t good enough and Rafa sends a winner past the Serb. Nadal runs up and finishes the point off with a forehand winner. Break point. Saved! Djokovic with a very brave drop shot and then a two-handed drive volley winner. Djokovic looks to find the sideline with the backhand but sees the ball go wide. Second break point. BREAK! Nadal slaps a forehand winner on a short ball by Djokovic’s backhand.

This could make a difference in the end considering it does look like we’re going the distance

Interesting insight from Rui Machado, the Portuguese Davis Cup captain who's commentating & just heard Nadal saying he's only have one left. Most likely to be talking about his racquets. Wondering if he (almost unprecedently) changed his tension considering tonight's conditions.

— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) May 31, 2022

Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 4-2 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Nadal (🎥@eurosport) pic.twitter.com/7MvB8yD6gw

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) May 31, 2022

Nearing 12.30 AM. Based on how things are going, we’re going to be here for at least an hour. The players are going to have to do press, cool downs and dinner after this. No way are they getting in bed before 5 AM

Impressive scheduling of the Rafa Novak epic. 845pm start time for a best of 5 set match involving two of the three greatest players ever to pick up a racket 👍 Oh tennis stop doing it to yourself 🙈

— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) May 31, 2022

Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 3-0 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic holds to love. Dispatches a short serve return for a volley winner and he’s off to a 3-0 lead. Looks like we’re going the distance!

Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 2-0 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic puts Nadal under pressure with deep groundstrokes and has a break point opportunity. Nadal pushed side to side and then goes for a gorgeous, surprise drop shot that no one saw coming. But on deeper look, it is wide. BREAK!

Djokovic really upset after net had his shot sit up nicely for Nadal to get into the point

(🎥@eurosport) pic.twitter.com/ixOm9gSrgt

— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) May 31, 2022

Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

SET 1: Djokovic serves first, broken

SET 2: Djokovic serves first, broken

SET 3: Djokovic serves first, broken

SET 4: Djokovic serves first, holds

Nadal in command

Nadal when leading 2-1 in sets at Roland Garros: 20-0.

Only twice has he gone to five in those situations -- vs. Djokovic in 2013 (9-7 in the 5th, the famous net touch) and...two days ago vs. Auger-Aliassime.

— Ravi Ubha (@raviubha) May 31, 2022

Third set: Rafael Nadal 6-2

Nadal takes the third set 6-2 in 40 minutes and is two sets to one in this quarter-final. Djokovic with a wild forehand that goes well wide and the 13-time champion has turned things around from an errant end to the second set

Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 1-4 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Double break now Rafael Nadal! This set going very much like the first except the rally length has reduced. Djokovic has all to do now. Meanwhile, Nadal gets newly strung racquets out as the temperature starts to drop and the conditions become cooler. Looser tension in those strings to help there is good amount of zip on the shots

Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 1-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Nadal comes through another lengthy game. Saves a break point and maintains his break advantage in the third set as Djokovic misses a drop shot down game point

Two hours and 40 minutes played in this evening match. It is 15 minutes to midnight in Paris. 

If this goes five, Nadal/Djokovic may start after 9p...if they plau the usual 3:30-hour match at it's 1a. Media, cool-down, and it's a 4a bedtime...love the first @rolandgarros Sunday session. But the night session is a cash grab that materially disadvantages the best players....

— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) May 31, 2022

Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 0-2 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Glorious start to the third set for Rafael Nadal. He starts by breaking the Novak Djokovic serve to love and now holds his own to 30. Was 40-0 up but gets the job done in the end.

Second set: Novak Djokovic 6-4

Novak Djokovic levels the match at one set all. Nadal led the second set 3-0 before Djokovic roared back to win four straight games. Nadal, under the pump, with Djokovic missing fewer balls and we’re headed to an extended contest. 84 minutes for that second set

Djokovic* 2-6, 4-6 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Nadal not committing to the backhand and he pays for it. The groundstroke is straight into the net and Djokovic has a set point. At this crucial juncture, Nadal plays a perfect point to bring the game to deuce. Pin point accuracy on his backhands and Djokovic misses. Missed again. But not this time. Djokovi with a powerful, confident forehand and Nadal’s defensive slice forehand is into the net. Yet again Nadal misses and Djokovic has a second set point. Nadal goes for a big forehand but it is long. BREAK! Second set to Novak Djokovic in 84 minutes!

Djokovic* 2-6, 4-4 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Nadal with breathtaking tennis under pressure. Having conceded four straight games and at 15-30, he moves up for a smash and then on the second point, both players, both in their mid 30s, moving up effortlessly trying to close the point out but it is Rafa who wins the point. Nadal comes through to hold serve and makes it four games all

Djokovic 2-6, 4-3 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Novak gets two short balls and he puts them away with ease to hold serve. Four straight games for the World No 1 now. He lets out a huge roar as he takes his chair at the break

The second set in a video

This game pic.twitter.com/zJgLYMJkWQ

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) May 31, 2022

Djokovic* 2-6, 3-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic getting into the thick of things now. He is looking red hot all of a sudden and it is Nadal who is struggling to keep up with the pace. The World No 1 thrashes forwards in succession to make it 0-30. But Nadal comes back with a backhand winner into the corner of his own. This game is going the distance with Nadal squandering two game points. Nadal serve now past the 10-minute mark. On deuce, Nadal with a drop shot, Djokovic with a very-well placed sliding shot but Nadal’s loopy, wristy forehand goes for a winner. And now a double fault – first of the night for Rafa. Time violationw warning for Nadal and it was long time coming. Deuce again. Ball bounces up and Nadal laps it up with a forehand winner. Back to deuce again as Nadal finds the line once but not on the second instance. Nadal misses another forehand, into the net now, and Djokovic has a third break point chance. Saved! Djokovic’s backhand return hits the top of the net and goes wide. A limp backhand from Nadal, straight into the net, and Djokovic has another chance. A fourth break point. Saved! Nadal with a drop shot, not the best, but neither was Djokovic’s equally woeful drop shot. Nadal runs forward and closes the point out. Another one missed! Nadal goes for an off-forehand but he misses. And on fifth break point, Djokovic converts! BREAK! Nadal’s backhand goes wide and Novak comes through in a 17-minute plus game! We’re on serve!

Djokovic* 2-6, 1-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Novak Djokovic has one break back then! Nadal gets the line on one deep groundstroke, goes for a drop shot at 30-40 but doesn’t get it over. Djokovic with a wry smile because he was nowhere in it if it landed in

Djokovic 2-6, 0-3 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Double break point for Nadal and it is converted! Djokovic with a drop shot, Nadal runs along and slides a backhand past a hapless Novak. This is one-way traffic!

Issued in public interest

A little help to plan your evening: we’re on an average of 7 minutes per game. @rolandgarros | #RolandGarros

— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 31, 2022

Djokovic 2-6, 0-1 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic with a booming backhand winner and he’s had to save two break points in the opening game of the second set already. A mishit from Nadal but Djokovic’s backhand goes long in reply. Novak not getting his range right at all. Another chance goes begging! Nadal with a backhand going long this time. On deuce, Nadal dictates play from start to finish. A huge forehand has Djokovic scrambling to the right, gets the defensive shot back but Nadal has all the time in the world to play a drop shot. Fifth break point now. And this one is saved as well! Djokovic with a deep backhand, going behind Nadal, and the Spaniard’s shot is into the tramlines. Deuce, backhand into the line, and then another forehand winner, another break point. And another one saved. Djokovic roars after putting that smash away. Is he waking up – question the commentators. Immediately? No. The backhand is into the net and Nadal has a seventh break point. Nadal with a deep forehand, Djokovic’s backhand is defensive, sits up and Rafa runs forward to close the point out with a volley winner. BREAK!

Importance of Set 1️⃣:

???????? Winner of opening set has gone on to win 50 of their previous 58 matches, including 15 of last 16

???????? Winner of the opening set has won 7 of last 9 meetings at French Open (13 of 17 at Slams)

First set in numbers

First set: Rafael Nadal 6-2

Nadal takes the opening set 6-2 in 54 minutes and he’s pumped! Rightfully so. Nadal holds a 24-5 record in this rivalry when winning the first set including a 7-2 record at Grand Slams

Djokovic* 2-6 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Nadal serving for the opening set. From 0-15, Nadal with a dominant forehand down the line to catch Djokovic off and make it 15-15. Now Djokovic with his own massive forehand winner. A 154kmph winner down the line and no way can Rafa get to it. Smart tennis on the next point from Nadal. Djokovic tried to keep the ball low with Rafa at the net but the Spaniard gets down low enough and the drop volley is placed to perfection. 30-30. Djokovic with an errant backhand and Nadal has set point. Serve into the backhand, stays low, Djokovic reaches for it and only finds the net. First set Rafa!

What a rally!

Don't let the scoreline fool you. This first set has been a real battle. Exhibit A:pic.twitter.com/eRu3rYrNMf

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) May 31, 2022

Djokovic* 1-5 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic struggling to get into rallies right now. A love hold for Rafa, first for him tonight, with Djokovic making four straight errors.

Djokovic 1-4 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic with a cross court backhand winner to cut the 0-30 deficit but Nadal once again has a look in. Make that a bigger look now. Another miss from Djokovic and Nadal has two break points. On the second serve, Nadal thrashes a forehand down the line winner! DOUBLE  BREAK!

Djokovic* 1-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)

Djokovic rocks on to his forehand and Nadal makes a desperate attempt to get the ball back but is unable to do so. Two break point chances for Novak. One saved by Rafa with a big forehand and Djokovic erring. Another one saved! Nadal runs up to the net to a defensive forehand from Djokovic, and the volley is picked up by Novak but is smashed by Nadal in return. Deuce. Beautiful lob from Nadal and Djokovic looks to get it back but sends it wide instead. Nadal had plenty of options on a Djokovic drop shot but rushes into it. Could have gone cross, or sliced it straight down the line but he finds the net. On to deuce. Huge forehands from Nadal doing plenty of damage. Djokovic gets one back but not the next. 3300 rpm on the Nadal forehands (2500 for Djokovic). Novak finds the net and the ball climbs past the baseline. Two break points saved by Nadal here

Djokovic 1-2 *Nadal (* denotes next server)

A love hold and Djokovic gets on the board.