French Open: Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic, reaches 15th semi-final
King of Clay, Rafael Nadal is back! He defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 French Open. The 13-time Roland Garros champion won 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) to qualify for a record-extending 15th semi-final in this major. Nadal avenged his loss to Djokovic at the last year's French Open, as he eyes his 22nd Grand Slam title.
Nadal was all over Djokovic in what was the 59th fixture between the two. The latter still has a slender lead over Nadal (30-29) in the ATP head-to-head series. Nadal leads 11-7 in Grand Slam matches. Nadal leads 8-2 at the French Open and 2-1 at the US Open. Meanwhile, Djokovic leads 2-0 at the Australian Open and 2-1 at Wimbledon.
💪 @RafaelNadal ends Novak Djokovic's streak of 22 consecutive sets as the Spaniard takes the first set 6-2! #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/IlfUwjbItj
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 31, 2022
Djokovic and Nadal faced each other for the 18th time in a Grand Slam. As per Opta, the duo has contested the most matches at Grand Slams in the Open Era. This rivalry has surpassed that of Djokovic and Roger Federer (17).
Nadal had entered the 2022 French Open with 13 titles, the most at a single Grand Slam and on a single surface (clay). He missed out on a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title last year, having lost to eventual champion Djokovic in the semi-finals. With a win against Djokovic this time, the Spaniard is set to secure a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title.
Exactly a year ago, Djokovic became the only man to defeat Nadal twice at the French Open. The world number one overcame Nadal in the semi-finals, denying him a 14th Roland Garros title. Earlier in the ongoing edition, Nadal became the third man to have won 300 matches at Grand Slams. His rivals Federer and Djokovic occupy the top two spots.
Defending champion Djokovic had been ruthless so far at 2022 Roland Garros. The Serbian has claimed straight-set wins over Yoshihito Nishioka, Alex Molcan, Aljaz Bedene, and Diego Schwartzman. On the other hand, Nadal recently defeated Felix Auger Aliassime in five sets. The Spaniard earlier overcame Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet, and Botic van de Zandschulp.
