World No. 1 Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable as he defeated 13-time French Open champion at Roland Garros semi-final on Friday. This is the primary time Nadal has misplaced a semi-final on the clay-court Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in an all-time traditional at Roland Garros on Friday (Reuter Photo)HIGHLIGHTSNovak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 within the 2nd semi-finalNadal has solely misplaced thrice at Roland Garros since 2005, twice towards DjokovicWorld No. 1 Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s males’s singles closingNovak Djokovic has carried out the unthinkable because the world No. 1 grew to become the primary participant in historical past to defeat 13-time champion Rafael Nadal within the Roland Garros males’s singles semi-final and attain the ultimate of the French Open 2021.Djokovic grew to become the primary participant in historical past to beat Nadal twice within the Roland Garros as he registered a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 in simply over 4 hours towards a participant who is taken into account to be the best in tennis historical past on the clay court docket.Nadal has solely misplaced three matches in his total profession on the claycourt Grand Slam since making his debut in 2005. The Spaniard had gained the previous 4 titles in Paris, a part of his assortment of 20 Slams, tied with Roger Federer for probably the most by a person in tennis historical past.This is the fifth time Djokovic has made it to the French Open closing, he gained the event as soon as in 2016. It’s additionally the primary time Nadal has misplaced after profitable the primary set at Roland Garros.4 hours and 11 minutesYou’ve earned that smile @DjokerNole!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/75wWsWNUwY— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
“First I want to say it is a privilege to be on this court with Rafael Nadal. The biggest match I have ever played here in Paris. Also the best match with the best atmosphere for both players.”To win towards Rafa on this court docket it’s a must to play your greatest tennis, and tonight I performed my greatest tennis. It’s arduous to seek out the phrases to sum up how I really feel,” a relieved Djokovic said after the match.Djokovic could now join Rod Laver and Roy Emerson as the only men to win each of the four Grand Slam tournaments twice. He will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final.It will be the 29th career Grand Slam final for Djokovic, and the first for Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas beat Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.Click here for IndiaToday.in’s complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.