Rafael Nadal lost a game for the third time at the French Open in Roland-Garros. Novak Djokovic reached the final on Sunday against Stefanos Tsitsipas at a late hour.
The semi-final kept what he had promised. Novak Djokovic prevailed 3: 6, 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 4), 6: 2 – in four hours and eleven minutes. The level of the game was at an insanely high level – actually from the first rally, with only Nadal playing great during the first half hour.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev had already entertained the 5000 fans in the first semi-final for almost four hours. But Nadal and Djokovic added more briquets. A comparison: The Greek Tsitsipas won the first two sets against Zverev with half a dozen winning strokes. Nadal achieved a dozen winners in the first five games, all of which he won.
In this starting phase Novak Djokovic must have felt like Roger Federer in the final of the French Open 2008, which Nadal won against the Swiss 6: 1, 6: 3, 6: 0. But unlike Federer at the time, Djokovic did not allow Nadal to dump him. The Serb even fought for chances in the first set. He dominated the second movement. He deservedly won the tie-break of the third set, although Nadal had a set ball with a score of 6: 5.
In this third sentence more than one preliminary decision was made. Djokovic led twice with a break: first 3: 2, later 5: 3. Nadal jerked the steering wheel. He earned a set ball. Djokovic fended off with a stop ball. Previously, the Serb had regularly lost the rallies after stop balls. Perhaps it was this stop ball, unexpected for Nadal, that decided the thrilling semi-final. Djokovic won the next 14 rallies by winning the set 10.
In the fourth set, Nadal reared up briefly (2-0 lead), but his lightning start turned out to be just a flash in the pan. Djokovic won the next six games and made it to the final.
Rafael Nadal only lost an individual at the French Open for the third time (with 105 wins). Twelve years ago, in the defeat by Robin Söderling (which paved the way for Roger Federer to his only Paris title), he was also handicapped (because he was injured. In addition, he was only defeated by Novak Djokovic until Friday in 2016.
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Keystone
Although the “Bataille” did not go into a decisive set, the 59th duel between Nadal and Djokovic was one of the greatest duels of these two tennis ball virtuosos – such as the Australian Open Final in 2012 or the semifinals in Wimbledon 2018. Djokovic and Nadal played 59 times against each other. That is significantly more often than Federer – Djokovic (50x), Federer – Nadal (40x) or the other great tennis rivalries of the past (like Connors – Lendl or Lendl – McEnroe).
“It was an honor to be on the pitch with Rafa,” said Novak Djokovic after the game. And everyone in the Stade Philippe Chatrier believed him. The game was not only characterized by a horrific level and intensity, but also by great fairness. When Nadal won the set ball in the third set, which could have steered the game in different directions, Novak Djokovic applauded. “I would have said that if I had lost,” said Djokovic, “but I’ve never played better in Paris. That was clearly my best game in my entire career. Otherwise I would never have been able to beat Rafa at the French Open. “
What does Djokovic’s victory mean for Roger Federer? The danger that Rafael Nadal will distance the Swiss in Paris with a 21st Grand Slam title has been banned. There is a new threat from Novak Djokovic, who can win his 19th Grand Slam title against Tsitsipas on Sunday. After Friday’s performance, Djokovic clearly started the final from the role of favorite.
Although the game lasted until after 11 p.m., the 5000 spectators were allowed to stay until the end. The curfew (11 p.m.) has been postponed for fans. It is quite possible that a few politicians in Paris have secured their re-election with this popular decision.
