Nadal Defeats Djokovic for Trip to French Open Finals
Rafael Nadal is one step closer to remaining the "King of Clay" after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals at Roland Garros on Friday. The seven-time French Open champion beat the number one-ranked Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7 after four hours and 37 minutes. The highly anticipated 35th match between Djokovic and Nadal consisted of long rallies, time violations, delicate drop shots and volleys, excellent defense, and rather questionable line calls. During the epic showdown, Nadal let a lead slip away twice in the fourth set, but then came from behind in the fifth set to finish victoriously.
In the 14th game of the final set, Nadal, with his back to the net, hit the ball on the run between his legs. The shot left his opponent with an easy overhead, but Djokovic dumped it in the net. Although Djokovic won that game, Nadal bounced back by winning the opening point of the final game with an overhead blow that shook up Djokovic, who lost the next three points and the match.
Nadal has had five wins over Djokovic at Roland Garros, and is now 58-1. The French Open is the only major title that Djokovic has still not won. He is now 20-15 in Paris.
Nadal will play the victor of the second semifinal between France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Spain’s David Ferrer. If he emerges victorious, Nadal will become the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event.
