Novak Djokovic Beats Reigning Champion Rafael Nadal At The French Open To Set Up Final Against Stefanos Tsitsipas
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World No 1 Novak Djokovic has become the first tennis player in history to defeat the 13-time champion, Rafael Nadal, in the Roland Garros men’s singles semi-final and reach the final of the French Open 2021.
The Serbian, who also defeated Nadal in the quarter-finals in 2015, sealed a remarkable 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory against Nadal in four hours and 22 minutes at Court Philippe Chatrier on Friday night to advance to the French Open final.
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Nadal won the first five games of the match. But Djokovic seized the momentum, winning the second set and then edging a quite unbelievable 93-minute third set in arguably one of the greatest tie-breaks of all time.
Nadal was given a long ovation as he made his exit from the court, leaving Djokovic to try to sum up what had just happened.
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“The first thing I want to say is it was my privilege also to be on the court with Rafa in this incredible match,” he said. “It is surely the best match I have played here in Paris. It’s also the match with the best atmosphere, ambience, and energy.”
In the final on Sunday, Djokovic will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas – winner of a five-set contest with Alexander Zverev earlier on Friday.
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