Djokovic beat Nadal in the semifinals of the French Open on June 11, 2021. – Michel Euler / AP / SIPA
At Roland Garros,
Novak Djokovic is a happy man. Obviously, beating Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is not given to everyone. No one, even… except Robin Soderling and him. Six years after his victory against the tournament boss in the quarter-finals, the Serbian did it again this Friday evening, in a very high-end semi-final, which looked like a boxing match lasting more than four hours .
“It’s definitely my best game here at Roland, and in the top 3 games of my entire career, if you consider the quality of play, playing my biggest rival on the court where he got so many success and the atmosphere was so electric, “responded the Djoker press conference.
🎾 Earthquake with the elimination of Rafael Nadal 🇪🇸 by Novak Djokovic 🇷🇸 after four sets of incredible intensity … in front of a present and conquered audience. The final will pit the world No. 1 against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday #Roland Garros (3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 in 4h11) pic.twitter.com/oeXYDy9upV
– France tv sport (@francetvsport) June 11, 2021
It is true that this meeting reached new heights, especially during a third set where the Serbian and the Spaniard had the opportunity to turn in the lead. Dominated for a long time, Nadal came back from nowhere, before returning to the front but missing set points, which finally returned to world number 1. All in a crazy party in the stands, when the spectators learned that they could stay despite the curfew.
Djokovic continued his momentum and ended up completely choking Nadal, beaten 6-2 in the 4th set. Djoko could savor. “I’m not the coolest guy in the world right now, but I think I have the right to enjoy it a bit,” he breathed. I think I will remember this game for a very long time. “