Rafael Nadal retains his 14th French Open and 22nd Grand Slam title after defeating Novak Djokovic in a four-hour and 12-minute marathon on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“Novak is one of the best players in history and playing against him is always an amazing challenge. Today was another one. “The only way to beat him is to give it your all from start to finish. For me, it was a magical evening.” Nadal said.
King of clay 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/T5ZCoIn6Sk
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2022
The 13-time Roland Garros champion, who was defeated in the semi-finals by the world Number 1 here last year, arrived in Paris hampered by injuries and a chronic foot problem.
After surviving a five-set thriller against Felix Auger Aliassime in the previous round, the Spaniard, who has only lost three times at the French Open since 2005, knew every inch of the massive court Philippe Chatrier and Djokovic paid for the reminder.
After bursting out of the blocks, Nadal delivered some early blows. After winning the first 11 games, he had defending champion Djokovic on the ropes, leading by a set and 3-0 with a double break.
Related: Rafael Nadal Ignored By Stefanos Tsitsipas As Roland Garros Favourite
However, Nadal’s intensity waned, and Djokovic drew level before regaining equilibrium with an 88-minute second set win.
While the momentum appeared to be all his, the 35-year-old Nadal had recalibrated and sprinted away with the third, backed by a partisan crowd.
Nadal saved two set points on Djokovic’s serve and leveled the fourth set at 5-5 after falling behind 5-2.
A match that began in May is now taking place in June. In a tie-break, Nadal stormed to a 6-1 lead, Djokovic fought back to 6-4, but a backhand winner brought the 59th encounter between these two legends to a thrilling end.
Started in May.
Ended in June. pic.twitter.com/3wsFUEriOi— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2022
Nadal will now face German third seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.
“I think he was a better player in the key times,” Djokovic remarked. “He got off to a great start. I didn’t get off to a fantastic start.
“I was picking up momentum, winning the second set, and thinking to myself, ‘OK, you know, I’m back in the game.'”
“But then, towards the start of the third, he had two or three more outstanding games.” In those, he was only able to elevate his tennis to the next level.
“He demonstrated why he is such a tremendous champion.” Staying psychologically tough and finishing the match in the manner that he did.”
COMMENTS