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