French Open | Rafal Nadal snags a thriller, beats Novak Djokovic in their 59th face-off
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 59th chapter of the most prolific Open Era rivalry in men’s tennis came to a close in the wee hours of June 1 in Paris, when Rafael Nadal triumphed over Novak Djokovic in a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) instant classic. Nadal ended the top-seeded Djokovic’s bid for a second consecutive title in Paris. Here’s why the match was blockbuster. (Image: Reuters)
2/5
Rafal Nadal and Novak Djokovic has faced off 59 times. They first played each other at Roland Garros 16 year ago in 2006.
3/5
Two players with at least 20 Grand Slam titles each competed against each other. Nadal made sure Djokovic remains behind him in the Slam count with 20.
4/5
Two players with 300-plus Grand Slams match wins played each other.
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Two players with 1000-plus ATP tour wins faced off. (With inputs from AP)
