13-time champion Rafael Nadal beat World No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 to enter the semi-finals. He will take on Germany's Alexander Zverev in the last 4. Nadal remains on track for his 14th title at Roland Garros and a record-extending 22nd grand slam title. It was the Spaniard who was out of the blocks early as he made short work of the Serbian in the initial exchanges to win the opening set 6-2 on a canter. It looked like Nadal would sweep past Djokovic as he went 3-0 up in the second set. But the world no 1 roared back by getting a double break and eventually closed out the second set 6-4 to level the match. Nadal was not deterred as he grabbed the momentum back in the third set. Djokovic looked out of rhythm yet again as he went a couple of breaks down and lost the set 2-6. The Serbian is known for his ability to come back from tough situations and he produced a stellar show to break Nadal early in the fourth set and it seemed the match would go into a decider. But Nadal broke back at 3-5 down and eventually took the set to a tie-breaker. The Spaniard dominated the tie-breaker and eventually closed it out 7-4 to take revenge for his semifinal loss to Djokovic last year.
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04:50 (IST)
French Open 2022: Nadal wins!!
Rafael Nadal wins, enters semi-finals. What a win this for the Spaniard!!
French Open Live: Djokovic one more point away from sending the match into fifth set
Djokovic is currently having a 5-2 lead in the fourth set and he is just one more point away from sending the quarterfinal against Nadal into the fifth and deciding set.
Rafael Nadal is continuing on with his domination as he takes a 1-0 lead in the second set as well. Djokovic is making too many unforced errors and it is costing him dear.
Novak Djokovic has been left searching for answers as Nadal continues to make him run on either side of court. The Spaniard has now extended his lead to 5-1 and is just one point away from sealing the first set
French Open Live: 15 minutes to go for Live action
Under 15 minutes left for the match between Nadal and Djokovic to begin. A long night is ahead if both of them are on fire and bring their A-game to the Philippe-Chatrier Court.
French Open Live: Alexander Zverev knocks out Carlos Alcaraz
As there is still time for the match between Nadal and Djokovic to get underway, one needs to talk about the show that was put on by Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. In a thrilling four-setter, it was Zverev who came out on the right side of the result, but Alcaraz can hold his head high for putting on a brave show.
Novak Djokovic