Xtra Time Web Desk: Rafael Nadal once again demonstrated why he is regarded as the King of Clay as he beat long time rival Novak Djokovic in four set thriller to march into the semi finals of the French Open on Tuesday night. The score read 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) in favour of the Spaniard. Nadal will now face third seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-final on Friday.
Earlier Zverev reached the semi-finals by defeating teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz’s.
“To win against Novak there is only one way: to play your best from the first point to the last,” said 35-year-old Nadal after the match at Roland Garros.
He added, “This is one of those magic nights for me.”
Fifth seed Nadal avenged his semi-final defeat against Djokovic last year. The duo have now met each other 59th time with Nadal narrowing the gap to 30-29. The Spaniard also extended his all-time record at the Roland Garros to 110 wins in 113 matches.
If Nadal goes on to win the French Open title, he will extend his lead over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in terms of Grand Slam titles.