In what some are already calling “The Greatest Match Ever Played,” world No. 1 Novak Djokovic knocked The King of Clay off his throne.
In an epic clash between two of the greatest ever to play the sport, the 34-year-old Serb ended Rafael Nadal’s 35-match winning streak at the French Open with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory in the semifinals. The match lasted 4 hour, 11 minutes. Nadal had been an unreal 26-0 in French Open semifinals and finals entering the match.
The win came after Nadal raced out to a 5-0 lead to start the match and means Djokovic remains alive for his 19th Grand Slam title — and his second French Open crown. He will face 22-year-old Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s championship, the 29th Grand Slam final and sixth French Open final for Djokovic. The winner will take home about $1.9 million with the runner-up taking about $950,000.
After winning the Australian Open in February, the Serb remains alive for the Grand Slam in 2021. Only Rod Laver — who did it in 1962 as an amateur and 1969 as a professional — have ever won all four majors in men’s tennis in the same year. If Djokovic wins on Sunday and then captures the Wimbledon title next month, he would tie Federer and Nadal at 20 Slams.
“He could be considered the greatest ever,” John McEnroe said on NBC of Djokovic.
Nadal, meantime, will remain tied with Roger Federer at 20 Grand Grand Slam titles and won’t surpass Federer for the first time in his career. The 35-year-old Spaniard has won 13 of his majors at Roland Garros.
Nadal is now 105-3 at the French Open, with two of his losses coming to Djokovic and one to Robin Soderling, who is long since retired. Nadal had been 7-1 against Djokovic at the French and 19-7 on clay, and hadn’t lost on clay to the Serb in five years.
“If you want to beat Rafa, you’re going to have to play your best tennis and tonight was the night,” Djokovic told the crowd in French.
“It’s a real privilege to play Rafa on the court,” Djokovic added. “Incredible match. It’s probably the best match I’ve played here,” adding this was the “best atmosphere” he’s seen in Paris.
Djokovic seized the third set tiebreak after Nadal hit a backhand drop shot and Djokovic raced forward to push the ball into Nadal’s forehand corner where the Spaniard hit a high return wide. The third set itself lasted an hour and a half.
After the third set, it was announced that due to the exceptional nature of the match, fans were permitted to break the curfew and watch the match to the end. The crowd applauded, knowing they were witnessing a historic encounter.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the fourth set, Djokovic won five straight games. Nadal began to limp and show signs of an ankle ailment. After the fifth game, he received treatment on the ankle.
Djokovic then broke Nadal for a 4-2 lead when he ripped a deep backhand return that Nadal hit into the net.
Djokovic held for a 5-2 lead, putting the pressure on Nadal to hold serve to stay in the match.
“Pressure is a privilege, it’s incredible to be in that situation,” Djokovic told the crowd.
The Serb finally closed it out when Nadal hit a backhand wide on match point.
Djokovic bowed to the crowd and raised his fist in celebration.
‘Greatest Match Ever Played’? Novak Djokovic Ends Rafael Nadal’s 35-Match Winning Streak At French Open - Forbes
Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment