Novak Djokovic renews his 16- time contest with Rafael Nadal at the French Open on Tuesday with asemi-final spot at stake and where palm for the world number one could end the 13- time champion’s Roland Garros career.
Nadal, who turns 36 on Friday, puts his record of 109 triumphs and just three losses in Paris since his title- winning debut in 2005 on the line against the defending champion.
The Spaniard was taken to five sets for only the third time at the event by 21- time-old Felix Auger- Aliassime in the fourth round.
In the immediate fate of that palm, Nadal admitted that not only was this time’s French Open at stake but conceivably his entire playing future.
“ I know my situation, and I accept it, ” said Nadal, who arrived in Paris doubtful if he'd be suitable to take part after suffering a rush of a habitual bottom injury which has agonized him for utmost of his career.
“ I'm just enjoying the fact that I'm then for one further time. And being honest, every match that I play then, I do n’t know if it’s going to be my last at Roland Garros. ”
Overall, Djokovic leads Nadal 30- 28 since their first career meeting at the 2006 French Open.
Nadal has a 19- 8 edge on complexion and has won seven of the brace’s nine meetings in Paris.
Djokovic, still, came out on top in thesemi-finals at Roland Garros in 2021 on his way to a alternate title.
– Night fears –
That defeat took a physical risk on Nadal who also skipped Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.
With Djokovic deported from Melbourne on the dusk of the Australian Open, Nadal seized the occasion to claim a record- setting 21st Grand Slam title, breaking a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Both men are playing in the quarter- tests at Roland Garros for the 16th time.
Djokovic has reached the last- eight with ease. He has won 22 sets in a row, a run stretching back to his Italian Open triumph in Rome.
“ I ’m glad that I did n’t spend too important time on the court up to the quarter- tests, knowing that playing Nadal in Roland Garros is always a physical battle, ” said Djokovic.
Adding an redundant twist was a battle of choices over scheduling which Nadal lost Monday when organisers named the quarter-final for the night session under the Court Philippe Chatrier lights.
“ I do n’t like to play on complexion during the night, because the moisture is advanced, the ball is slower, and there can be veritably heavy conditions especially when it’s cold wave, ” said Nadal.
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