Nadal

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal would each "make totally different requests" in regards to a day or night match if they are to end up facing off in Paris.

"All of a sudden he [Djokovic] loses to Alcaraz [in Madrid], what’s happening? All of a sudden, they go to Australia where everyone is saying Novak is going to break the record and guess what? Novak has a way of fuelling these situations into something positive - that is very hard to do. Well, he wins Rome; now it looks like, there is Novak Djokovic - he’s back! Slight, very slight!" "I don't think we have to worry a whole lot about Rafa at Roland-Garros, if you look at his record, it's crazy, it's insane how good it is.

Nadal set to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is coached by his uncle Toni.

"I don't think he will be able to want me to lose, without a doubt, but he's a professional and he's with another player. When Auger-Aliassime was asked if Uncle Toni would give him any insight into how to play Nadal, he downplayed it by saying that everybody knows how Nadal plays. I have zero problem with that," Nadal said.

Nadal finds better rhythym in this game, and dispatches Auger-Aliassime, who overpowers at least two shots to send them out, quickly.

Auger-Aliassime is forced to hit long, and Nadal takes the game with ease. Nadal faults, and Auger-Aliassime has the chance, as his opponent did, to break his serve. But Nadal can be bested, and a well-placed shot glances the wrong way, leaving Nadal unable to run for it. Nadal returns easily, and wins a point firing a shot down the line with the smallest effort to go 0-30 up. He sends another fault into the sideline, and Auger-Aliassime has another attempt to break from advantage. The timings he can draw out of his shots can leave opponents baffled, and he sets up Auger-Aliassime to miss a well-weighted, considered shot. He double faults, and Nadal has broken back to win the game. Since 2015, Nadal has been able to break back nearly 50% of the time after he is broken at Roland Garros, which is quite the challenge to meet. Nadal sends a shot out to bring the players level on 30 all. Auger-Aliassime opens the points, but Nadal, mostly on his second serve, stems his advance, but sends his next return long to level them at 30 all. Nadal plucks a high dropshot out of the air and smashes it, once to be returned, then again up and out over Auger-Aliassime's head. Auger-Aliassime delivers his second ace of the match to stop Nadal from making good on his break point.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC beat Diego Schwartzman to set up a potential rematch with Rafael Nadal at the French Open.

The third set was more even until Djokovioc save a break point to hold for 3-2, and immediately pounced to get his own break, taking a 4-2 lead to put himself within two games of the quarter-final. And Schwartzman then broke the Serb for the first time before holding for a 3-0 lead. After coming through for 2-1, he broke Schwartzman at the first opportunity in the next game and had three more break points at 4-1, successfully converting the serve and closing out a 6-1 set in 39 minutes.

Novak Djokovic set up a possible quarter-final meeting with old rival Rafael Nadal at the French Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over Diego ...

Schwartzman saved a match point in game eight to force Djokovic to serve it out, which he did, to love. Djokovic took his head-to-head record against Argentinian Schwartzman to 7-0 with a clinical display, in which he saved seven of the eight break points he faced. But I played well and held my serve."

RAFAEL NADAL went down during a rally against Felix Auger-Aliassime after dropping the first set.

It came after Nadal lost the first set 6-3 in almost an hour - the first set he has dropped all tournament. The 13-time French Open champion cleaned himself up quickly before the next point and was back to it, not requiring medical attention with the bloodflow stemmed. Rafael Nadal's right knee started bleeding after he took a tumble when trying to return one of Felix Auger-Aliassime's shots early in the second set of their fourth-round clash.

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic reached a 16th French Open quarter-final on Sunday where old rival and 13-time winner Rafael Nadal ...

I told Felix that my ethics do not allow me to give him advice on beating my nephew. "Of course not. Amanda is a very good player but I was happy to win in front of you," said the 2019 junior champion. Alcaraz has won 20 of 21 matches on clay this season but needed to save a match point to beat Spanish compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the second round. "I've made a good start but I have a lot of work to do," added Djokovic who will face Nadal for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall if the Spaniard defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime later Sunday. "I have a lot of respect for him (Schwartzman). He's a good person off the court," said Djokovic who has now beaten Schwartzman seven times in seven meetings.

By Julien Pretot PARIS (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic showed glimpses of his brilliant best to demolish Diego Schwartzman 6-1 6-3 6-3 on Sunday and book h...

“I have a lot of respect for him. Always ready with a good serve when needed, the Serbian staved off break points in the next game to level for 3-3, took the 15th seed’s serve again and wrapped up set two after another break. But the Argentine was not ready to give up and he broke for 2-0 in the second set and held for 3-0 only for Djokovic to raise his level again to break back with a crosscourt forehand winner.

Rafael Nadal will lock horns against Canadian Auger Aliassime in the fourth round of the 2022 French Open which will be played on Sunday, May 29.

In the United States, fans can watch the live broadcast of the French Open match between Rafael Nadal and Corentin Moutet on NBC Sports and Tennis Channel. The live streaming of the match will be available on Peacock, an American OTT platform. The live coverage will begin at 4:00 pm in the UK. The live broadcast of the match will be available on Sony Ten and Sony Six channels.

Novak Djokovic set up a possible quarter-final meeting with old rival Rafael Nadal at the French Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over Diego ...

The pattern of the match continued, as Djokovic broke in the very next game to all but end the tie as a contest. Djokovic took his head-to-head record against Argentinian Schwartzman to 7-0 with a clinical display, in which he saved seven of the eight break points he faced. But I played well and held my serve."

NOVAK DJOKOVIC could face long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the French Open quarter-final.

The world No 1 also touched on the fact that he and his long-time rival will be requesting different sessions if they face off in Tuesday’s quarter-final, with the fifth seed preferring the day session conditions while Djokovic played better than Nadal at night. Djokovic and Nadal could face off for the 59th time in their careers in the French Open quarter final. And the Serb was feeling confident ahead of what could be his first meeting with Nadal in a year, after he downed the 13-time champion in four sets in the 2021 semi-final.

World No 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic reached a 16th French Open quarterfinal on Sunday where old rival and 13-time winner Rafael Nadal could be ...

TONI NADAL'S newphew Rafael Nadal is playing his new protege Felix Auger-Aliassime in the French Open fourth round.

But honestly, for me, it's zero problem, and I know he wants the best for me." And Nadal himself said he "didn't care" about playing against his uncle before Toni opted to snub both player camps for a seat in the presidential box. "I think also you have to remember, because I know this question is going to come quite a lot, I just want to say that, you know, for me, like, Rafa's career and what he did with Toni is much bigger than the match tomorrow, you know," he said after winning his third round.

Rafael Nadal won a Roland Garros thriller Sunday as he survived a major scare from Felix Auger-Aliassime to set a blockbuster quarter-final showdown with ...

I was able to play more aggressive and go more often to the net and it made a difference without a doubt.” The other seven all rose to World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in their careers. He gained the crucial break in the eighth game before he held serve to secure his victory, letting out a roar in delight. Auger-Aliassime refused to go away though at the start of the fourth set, securing early breaks to swing momentum back in his favour as he hit 14 winners in the set and held his nerve to force a decider. He has a huge serve and I was not able to push him back. “The beginning of the fourth was very tough. With his victory, the 35-year-old has now reached the quarter-finals in 16 of his 18 appearances in Paris. Prior to Sunday, Nadal had been taken to five sets in just two of his 111 matches at the event. He reduced the unforced errors, targeting the World No. 9’s backhand with heavy topspin to dictate. The only thing I can guarantee is that I am going to fight until the end.” The Canadian’s flat hitting and depth forced Nadal into errors with the Canadian breaking twice to move ahead. However, the 13-time champion kept his composure and demonstrated his trademark winning mentality to advance after four hours and 23 minutes on a court he has had so much success on.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will meet in the Roland Garros quarterfinals on Tuesday. Here's a breakdown of their rivalry by the numbers.

21: After capturing the Australian Open in January, Nadal is the all-time men’s leader with 21 Grand Slam singles titles. He is seeking to extend his record with a 22nd major title, while Djokovic is looking to tie him at 21. Nadal broke in the eighth game of the fifth set and then served it out with a forehand winner into the open court after a short rally. I am glad because I didn’t spend too much time on the court, because it will be physical. The only thing I can guarantee is I’m going to fight until the end, so many thanks.” And the only thing that I can tell you is I’m going to be focused since [Monday], going to try my best as always.

Novak Djokovic set up a possible quarter-final meeting with old rival Rafael Nadal at the French Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over Diego ...

He's very young with a lot of power and great mobility," said the 35-year-old Spaniard. "We know each other well, we have a lot of history. Rafael Nadal (ESP x5) bt Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x9) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3

Novak Djokovic set up a possible quarterfinal meeting with old rival Rafael Nadal at the French Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over Diego ...

Rafael Nadal won in five sets while his quarter-final opponent Novak Djokovic will be the fresher having beaten Diego Schwartzman in straight sets.

He peppered Nadal with well-timed drop shots, he continued to look for forehands to dominate with and he was supreme at the net. From the player who would run out of ideas in his early exchanges against the big players, here he continually searched for solutions and often found them. Just as it seemed that Nadal was in control, however, he inexplicably started the fourth set with a flurry of unforced errors. Nadal then rode all of his momentum to a two sets to one lead. He watched on as, after the elation of Real Madrid’s Champions League win that Nadal attended, on an extremely cold afternoon Nadal started the match out of sorts. Rafael Nadal has played 112 tennis matches at Roland Garros over the course of his career and he has somehow lost just three times on these courts.

Rafael Nadal reacts to his thrilling win against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Roland Garros and looks ahead to his quarter-final blockbuster against Novak ...

I hope to be able to give myself a chance to play at the highest level possible.” Nadal is now a jaw-dropping 109-3 at Roland Garros, where he will face Djokovic for the 10th time and 59th time overall. “That's why I am just trying to enjoy as much as possible and fight as much as I can to keep living the dream that is [to] keep playing tennis and be back in a very advanced round of Roland Garros, playing against the World No. 1,” Nadal said. “I am in [the] quarter-finals of Roland Garros. Two weeks and a half ago, even if I had good hopes, positive hopes after Rome, I [didn’t even] know if I would be able to be here,” Nadal said. And being honest, every match that I play here, I don't know if [it is] going to be my last match here in Roland Garros in my tennis career. It is easy to forget that Nadal missed a month-and-a-half after the BNP Paribas Open due to a stress fracture in one of his ribs.

Rafael Nadal's 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime at Roland Garros on Sunday may or may not go down as the best match of the year.

With FAA serving at 3-4, Nadal started by hitting a big forehand and finishing the point with a smash for 0-15. The last two games were the final act of the match, and a fitting pinnacle. This was a movie many of us have seen dozens of times at Roland Garros, and it seemed sure to end in a four-set runaway victory for Rafa. The first act was dominated by Auger-Aliassime. He broke Nadal in the third game of the match and used his serve—especially the wide one in the deuce court—his forehand, his drop shot, and his net game to win the first set. Nadal finished with his 109th victory roar in Paris. Auger-Aliassime finished with a crooked smile of appreciation—for the moment, for his opponent, and hopefully for himself—as he walked to the net to shake Rafa’s hand. But as far as pure sporting entertainment goes, it will be hard to top, inside or outside of tennis, in 2022.

PARIS (AP) — By the end of only the third five-setter Rafael Nadal has played in 112 career French Open matches, as the sun and temperature descended and ...

I’m glad that I didn’t spend too much time on the court myself up to quarterfinals, knowing that playing him in Roland Garros is always a physical battle, along with everything else,” said Djokovic, who beat 15th-seeded Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 earlier Sunday and has won all 12 sets he's played in the tournament. Looking at the larger picture, Nadal's record 13 championships at Roland Garros are part of his haul of 21 Grand Slam trophies, a record for men. Djokovic leads 30-28, although Nadal has a 7-2 advantage at the French Open.

Djokovic, the world No. 1, and Nadal, the 13-time French Open champion, will continue their epic rivalry on Tuesday in the quarterfinal at Roland Garros.

As Auger-Aliassime, pumped his fist after clinching the first set, 6-3, Nadal spent an extra few seconds working the line with his foot, taking an extra moment seemingly to prepare for the challenging places this match was going. Djokovic managed the challenge, making Schwartzman seem like a sparring partner who forced Djokovic to run and stay on the court long enough — a little more than two hours — but not too long. Nadal had no such concerns, though he struggled from the start of the chilly and breezy evening. Too cold and too damp, which makes the clay stick to balls, giving them the feel of heavy rocks on his racket. He was detained at the border and deported after government officials deemed his stance against vaccinations a threat to public health. Djokovic has tried to spearhead an independent players organization, the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he launched with a handful of other players in 2020. Nadal, who largely ended his 2021 season after the French Open because of a chronic foot injury, said finishing his career with the most major championships mattered little to him. Even more, it is a clash of two men whose personalities and trajectories, especially over the past year, have pushed them into different realms of the sport and public consciousness. On the court, they have captured each other’s most treasured possessions. Djokovic has refused to get vaccinated and questioned established science. Just a number. They have played each other 58 times, with Djokovic holding a 30-28 edge.

Paris, May 29 (EFE).- Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal took five sets to vanquish Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6 and 6-3 at the French ...

In other action, the pair made up of Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos moved to the doubles quarterfinals by defeating Great Britain’s Jonny O’Mara and Jackson Withrow, from the US, 6-1, 6-1. In women’s doubles play, Italy’s Martina Trevisan (No. 59) and Canada’s Leylah Fernandez (No. 17) will face off in the quarterfinals against Americans Coco Gauff (No. 18) and Sloane Stephens (No. 64). Zapata, No. 131 in the world, made it to the Round of 16 in a big tourney for the first time and had a chance to take the first two sets – getting out in front by 4-1 in the first and 4-2 in the second – but couldn’t bring it home at the crucial moments. Zverev will now play in the quarterfinals in Paris for the fourth time, facing off against Carlos Alcaraz (No. 6) after the 19-year-old Spaniard defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-4 and 6-4 in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The upcoming contest will be their 59th encounter, the 10th at Roland Garros, where Djokovic has beaten Nadal only twice but is now seeking his third French Open trophy and his 21st Grand Slam, which would tie him with the Spaniard Meanwhile, in other Paris tennis action, Spain’s Bernabe Zapata gave a great account of himself but went down to defeat at the hands of Germany’s Alexander Zverev 7-6 (11), 7-5 and 6-3 in 2 hours and 45 minutes. On the hunt for his 14th title in Paris, Nadal had trouble moving ahead to the next round, with his 21-year-old rival forcing him to up his play, but backing him up to the abyss of defeat, which would have been the fourth such result in the French capital.

After Djokovic cruised, Nadal labored to a five-set win, setting up a clash in the quarterfinals.

At that point, he later explained to a French broadcaster, he could take no more and had to leave to watch the conclusion on television. He produced huge serves time and again to fend off 16 of the 22 break points he faced. The victor’s next challenge could prove equally daunting: a potential semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish teen who beat Nadal and Djokovic in succession to win the recent Madrid Open on clay. After leveling at one set apiece, Nadal rounded into form in the third set, pummeling Auger-Aliassime with forehand blasts again and again. He has yet to concede a set in the first four rounds. Nadal didn’t cite the rib he cracked during a tournament in March and made only passing reference to “a tough process” with his foot, alluding to chronic pain in his surgically repaired left one.

Tennis - Felix Auger-Aliassime praised Nadal after their Roland Garros clash.

It will be a monumental effort for him to claim the title. Nadal played on a high level in sets two and three to overcome a slow start and improve his chances. Felix joined Robin Soderling, John Isner and Novak Djokovic on the list of players who took two sets away from Rafa in the Roland Garros clash.

Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall in a rivalry stretching back to 2006.

He was dictating, aggressive when he needed to and also defending really well," said the Canadian. "He raised his level when he needed to. "Felix is a great player. "We know each other well, we have a lot of history. Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall in a rivalry stretching back to 2006. Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall in a rivalry stretching back to 2006.

Nadal edged out Auger-Aliassime in five sets to reach the French Open quarterfinal.

The third set was pretty much a one-sided battle as Nadal broke Auger-Aliassime in the third and seventh games to win the set and go up by two sets to one. Auger-Aliassime held on to his serve the rest of the set to force a fifth set. After losing the first set, Nadal faced two break points in the third game but saved them to avoid going down by an early break.

Rafa Nadal understands it will be a 'big challenge for him to beat Novak Djokovic in Tuesday's French Open quarter-final but the 13- times winner vowed not ...

That's my situation now. I'm gonna fight for it." "Probably he (Djokovic) will be confident.

Rafael Nadal admitted Sunday that his injury-hit career has forced him to contemplate that "every match I play here could be my last".

I am in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros. Two weeks and a half ago, I didn't know if I would be able to be here," said Nadal who won the first of his 13 French Open titles on debut in 2005. "So just enjoying the fact that I am here for one more year. "That's my situation now.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had contrasting matches but still set up their hotly-anticipated quarter-final meeting. Defending champion Djokovic was ...

Moan of the day Match of the day Picture of the day

During Rafael Nadal's long illustrious career, he has played 112 matches at Roland Garros and won 109 of them.

"Here we are in Roland Garros. It is my favorite place, without a doubt. But, in that fifth set, he showcased his brilliance on clay. "[It's] a huge challenge and probably the biggest one that you can have here in Roland Garros. I'm ready for it." It continued his perfect start to the tournament in which he has yet to drop a set. On clay, the rivalry is more lopsided in favor of Nadal who has won seven matches compared to Djokovic's two. The two players, who have won 15 of the last 17 French Open titles, will meet again on Tuesday in the quarterfinals in what is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.

Coach Toni Nadal revealed he rooted for Rafael Nadal to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime as he noted that the French Open will always be a very special tournament ...

Auger-Aliassime got broken back in the third game but broke Nadal again in the fourth game and then held on to his serve the rest of the set to force a decider. In the ninth game, Nadal served out for the second set and tied the match to one set apiece. It is a very important victory for me without a doubt”. Auger-Aliassime got off to a strong start, breaking Nadal twice in the first set to win the opener.

Rafael Nadal's French Open quarter-final against long-time rival Novak Djokovic will take place in Tuesday's night session at Roland Garros despite the ...

Nadal and Djokovic have played one match each so far after dark. "I think that makes a big difference between the way tennis is played on clay during the night and during the day." "I don't like to play on clay during the night, because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it's cold," said Nadal last week.

No two men have played each other more times than world No. 1 Djokovic and record 21-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, a rivalry that began in 2006 and has produced some of the most riveting entertainment imaginable. Nadal, who turns 36 on Friday, won their ...

But Djokovic has not dropped a set on his way to the quarterfinals of this French Open, while Nadal had to play for four and a half hours to subdue Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. His retrieving skills are like no other's, and the space behind and alongside the court gives him the chance to hit seemingly impossible shots. If Nadal starts well and gets the crowd behind him, he knows what he's capable of. There's also the 2020 Roland-Garros final to compare this one to. "Being honest, every match that I play here, I don't know if it's going to be my last match here in Roland Garros in my tennis career, no?" I guess I expect the same thing against Rafa because no one is against Rafa in Paris." "I don't like night sessions on clay," he said on several occasions this week. Djokovic, including the 2020 final, when he played incredible tennis to win in straight sets. "They're not against him but the crowd is definitely for the underdog in this tournament. The Spaniard went on to win five of their first six battles. This will be their 10th meeting at Roland-Garros, with Nadal winning eight of them. He's turning it into: 'Well you know what, I'm going to show you I'm No. 1 in the world' with his body language, and it helps him with the crowd.

Novak Djokovic renews his epic 16-year rivalry with Rafael Nadal at the French Open on Tuesday with a semi-final spot at stake and where victory could end ...

It's not going to be an easy thing for me to play at 9:30 at night with no sunlight, with no heat, and 8 degrees." It's a huge challenge and probably the biggest one that you can have here." And being honest, every match that I play here, I don't know if it's going to be my last at Roland Garros. I can't complain much," said Nadal, who arrived in Paris unsure if he would be able to take part after suffering a recurrence in Rome of a chronic foot injury which has plagued him for large parts of his career. Djokovic has reached the last-eight with ease. "I'm glad that I didn't spend too much time on the court up to the quarter-finals, knowing that playing him in Roland Garros is always a physical battle.

Felix Auger-Aliassime reflects on his five-set loss against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros and looks ahead to Nadal's blockbuster showdown against Novak ...

“I’m proud about the effort I produced, the game I played, and like most of my matches I try to leave the match without any regrets,” Auger-Aliassime said. “It makes me very happy to have won a few matches here this year.” Instead, Auger-Aliassime will try to move forward taking lessons he learned from the match and his entire stay at the clay-court major. “So as I said, I really wish him the very best, but it will be a monumental effort for him, I think, to win. At one point even though he raised the level of his game, there were a few dips, physically, mentally, and I kind of lost the order of the game. He's somebody who I really like, and so I wish him the very best for the next match,” Auger-Aliassime said.

Carlos Moya, who has coached Rafael Nadal since 2017, looks ahead to his charge's Roland Garros quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic.

I think he is saying that more in that sense, but I’m confident and I hope it’s not his last match in Paris. I have complete confidence in Rafa. I’m optimistic and positive in life in general, but in his case, I’m realistic. The most important thing is that he is aware that he has to play a good match and that he strikes the ball well. It was a close atmosphere and he played an amazing game. It’s the way I am, the way I approach life. A couple of years ago it was more tactical, but now it is all better established in his mind. We always expect the best of Nadal and I think he’ll be at his best tomorrow so that he can win. Last year we came here having won the final in Rome, and ended up losing. It’s clear that he’s playing a match where there’s a risk of losing. In 2020 we arrived in a different situation and he came through. Not too much, because it dilutes the message, but now it’s more reminders of aspects that have been forgotten. You have to play a high level of tennis, more than just tactics.

The duo is set to do battle in the most anticipated match of the event.

The match will begin on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. ET as two of the all-time tennis greats prepare for the most anticipated match of the 2022 French Open thus far. Djokovic has cruised through his matches leading up to this point in the French Open, as the world No. 1 has yet to drop a set in his four matches in Paris. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will meet Tuesday in a headliner French Open quarterfinal match that will captivate the tennis world once again.

Tuesday's highly-anticipated French Open quarter-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafa Nadal has been scheduled to be ...

Obviously, depending on who you play, sometimes it's favourable to play night; sometimes day. TV, whether they want your match, day or night. "I don't like night sessions on clay.

Rafael Nadal, 13-time French Open winner, last week said: "I don't like to play on clay during the night"

"I don't like to play on clay during the night, because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it's cold," said Nadal last week. Nadal and Djokovic have played one match each so far after dark. Officials confirmed on Monday that the pair's 59th career meeting will be the late match under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier with the day's other quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev set for the afternoon.

PARIS—In 2006, Rafael Nadal entered his quarterfinal match as the defending French Open champion after celebrating his 20th birthday a few days prior. His ...

In 50 of their previous 58 matches, the winner of the first set has prevailed. He is the winner of the previous major. Djokovic went on to win the title, his second in Paris and 19th career Grand Slam title. I always have on my mind that this may be my last match in my tennis career, on this amazing court, so I always try to fight and enjoy as much as I can.” After Nadal won five of the first six encounters, Djokovic stormed back. Nadal and Djokovic. Djokovic and Nadal. The most textured rivalry in men’s tennis has crossed the globe and encompassed all kinds of circumstances. If Nadal wins, he is two matches from taking a two-major lead, 22-20, over Djokovic and Roger Federer. If Djokovic wins, he is two matches from tying Nadal with 21 majors. Nadal versus Djokovic on the big court. Barely five years after Djokovic couldn’t complete that first encounter in Paris, he had the durability to take down Nadal in an Australian Open final that spanned nearly six hours. Nadal turns 36 on Friday. But it also owed to the ritual, set-it-and-forget-it excellence of the best two players over the past decade. PARIS—In 2006, Rafael Nadal entered his quarterfinal match as the defending French Open champion after celebrating his 20th birthday a few days prior.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will play in a quarterfinal at the French Open on Tuesday night, their 59th career meeting and 10th at Roland Garros.

Nadal knows that breaking down the elastic Djokovic from the baseline is one of the toughest asks in tennis. Lose and Djokovic will have a tying 21st in his sights, though not necessarily in his grasp. “Rafa is match toughened this year with having hit the wall many times and finding ways to win,” Cahill said. Djokovic leads their overall series 30-28, but Nadal still leads 10-7 in Grand Slam matches and 19-8 on clay. Last year it was the semis and now the quarters, but it’s probably the best quarterfinal ever in the history of the French Open.” What I’m trying to do is enjoy and continue living the dream to play tennis and get to the final rounds of Roland Garros.” Enough to handle a grinding, grueling five-setter with Nadal on the Spaniard’s signature surface? “I know Roland Garros during the day and prefer to play during the day. Alcaraz and Rune are just 19 and in the quarterfinals, and though Nadal vs. There are also night sessions at other European clay-court events, including the Madrid Open and the Italian Open, which Nadal has still managed to win 10 times. Night sessions are a new development at the modern French Open, introduced last year albeit with reduced capacity because of pandemic-related restrictions. “I think we have to cherish this moment and not get ahead of ourselves.”

Brad Gilbert analyses the strong form Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal heading into their Roland Garros quarter-final meeting on Tuesday night.

“At the moment, Rafa has a 7-2 head-to-head against him at Roland Garros. He has the greatest history at this one event. “Rafa maybe wanted to play in the day. He looked good physically, didn’t have any of the foot problems that he’s been having, so that was a good sign. “Djoker just quietly has lifted his game,” he assessed. “The tennis fan in me, I just hope we see one of those titanic matches like we saw last year,” he said, referencing the 2021 semi-final epic won by the Serbian. “Sweaty palms, incredible tennis. He sees no reason not to expect more of the same this time around.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, winners of a combined 41 Grand Slam singles titles, will meet at Roland Garros. But it won't be in the final or even the ...

This could be Nadal’s final Roland Garros ever, and he could go out in the quarterfinals? One of the greatest matches ever, in the semis. Stefan Edberg, the winner in 1988 and 1990, was given a seeding of No 12 in 1996, 10 places higher than his ranking. Being honest, every match I play here, I don't know if it gonna be my last match here in Roland-Garros in my career.” He has talked often about his chronic left foot problem that has hampered him for years and has gotten worse of late. We had Nadal and Djokovic last year in the semis. As TennisMajors.com pointed out: “Pete Sampras was elevated from a world ranking of No 6 to No 1 in 2001, in recognition of the fact that he had won the title in seven of the previous eight years. Now we could have Djokovic-Nadal in the quarterfinals. Tennis needs it in the final. They will meet for the 59th time in their careers in a highly anticipated quarterfinal on Tuesday (2:45 ET, Tennis Channel). History will once again be on the line. It features Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev and Marin Cilic. One of those four will reach Sunday’s final.

ATPTour.com analyses the blockbuster Roland Garros quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal through statistics. Djokovic has been brilliant ...

Djokovic has been efficient in eight hours and 13 minutes of play. Djokovic and Nadal have both enjoyed strong advantages in all three categories. Nadal is stronger on second serve, where he has won 63 per cent of his points to Djokovic’s 56 per cent. Both men have averaged roughly 182 km/h on first serve, with the Serbian hitting 31 aces to Nadal’s seven. The Serbian has saved 14 of the 17 break points against him while Nadal has erased half of the 18 break chances against his serve. Both men have been solid on serve this fortnight, but they have dominated in slightly different ways.

Novak Djokovic renews his 16-year rivalry with Rafael Nadal at the French Open on Tuesday with a semifinal spot at stake and where victory for the world No ...