French Open tennis 2022: Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in epic quarter-final
When push came to shovelling groundstrokes after 1am in Paris, Rafael Nadal had the ball on a string. He did not miss.
Vintage Rafael Nadal did not miss a ball.
In his truly unbeatable phase on clay eight or so years ago, he made zero errors for hours on end.
This morning (AEST), Nadal wound back the clock in beating world no.1 Novak Djokovic in their French Open quarter-final. When push came to shovelling groundstrokes after 1am in Paris, he had the small yellow ball on a string. He did not miss.
Nadal strangled Djokovic. Stared him down. It was a two-part victory. Whoever wins the Open, it won’t be Djokovic, which means Nadal will leave Roland Garros with the most majors. He may get to 22 but Djokovic and Federer will still be on 20.
His victory was one of the most satisfying of his extraordinary career. Djokovic walked away in a huff. Nadal couldn’t stop grinning like the cat who got the cream. Perhaps vintage Nadal wasn’t eight years ago. Perhaps it’s now.
“I’m very emotional,” Nadal said. “It’s really incredible to play here. Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you again to everybody here. The support is incredible. This is the most important tournament of my career. All the support from you is very very special.”
Nadal’s 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) victory took four hours and 12 minutes. “A very very tough match,” Nadal said. “Novak has been one of the best players of the history, without a doubt. Always to play against him is an amazing challenge. The history that we have together – today was another one. To win against Novak, there is only one way. To play at your best from the first point until the last. Tonight has been one of the magic nights for me. An unexpected level but I’m so happy. Thank you so much.”
🤩 What a set! What a comeback! 🤩
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2022
🤔 Is 14 next for @RafaelNadal ?#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/0Wa4mjZoau
Nadal will play world mo.3 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
Nadal vs Federer: best rivalry ever? Rafa that!
It was all magical. And it’s all over now. Rafael Nadal has bid farewell after losing in the Davis Cup at home in Spain. I’m so sad. Fed’s gone, and now Rafa’s gone, and they ain’t ever coming back.
‘I have left a legacy’: Rafa bids final farewell
The undisputed ‘King of Clay’, 22-time grand slam winner and all-time great Rafael Nadal has played his final professional tennis match at age 38. His most memorable Grand Slam finals recounted here.