November 8, 2024

Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in a 4-set French Open quarterfinal — their 59th career meeting

Novak #Novak

PARIS — Rafael Nadal got past rival Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4) in a monumental match in the French Open quarterfinals to move a step closer to his 14th championship at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament and 22nd major trophy overall.

The match began a little past 9 p.m. Tuesday in Paris and concluded more than four hours later, after 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Advertisement

Nadal ended the top-seeded Djokovic’s bid for a second consecutive French Open title. He also made sure Djokovic remains behind him in the Grand Slam count with 20.

Nadal improved to 110-3 for his career at Roland Garros. Two of those losses came against Djokovic, including in last year’s semifinals.

Advertisement

This showdown was the 59th of their careers, more than any other two men have played each other in the Open era. Nadal narrowed Djokovic’s lead to 30-29.

Nadal turns 36 on Friday, when he will face third-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.

Leave a Reply