Novak Djokovic ends Rafael Nadal’s reign at French Open: It’s the best match I performed at Roland Garros

Less than a 12 months after being hammered by Rafael Nadal within the last of the French Open, Novak Djokovic placed on a present to cease the greatest-ever clay-courter with an emphatic win on Friday on the Philippe Chattrier. And it appears, Djokovic beloved his titanic battle in opposition to the 13-time champion.At the beginning, it regarded like tennis followers had been set to witness a repeat of 2020 last as Djokovic was down 0-5 within the first set. However, he hung in there and gained three consecutive video games to present a glimpse of what was to return. Djokovic raised his recreation and hit some gorgeous backhand winners to take the second set 6-3.The third set was one of many ages as each Djokovic and Nadal gave it their all, leaving tennis followers on the Chattrier and throughout the globe awestruck. There was nothing to separate the 2 as they went toe-to-toe with one another, not giving any every to their opponent. But as soon as once more, it was Djokovic who prevailed on the finish of the 91-minute set by profitable the tie-breaker.Djokovic was damaged early within the 4th set however he rallied again to win 6 video games in a row to register one in all his best wins.The French Open organisers made an exemption for followers to remain past the 11 pm cut-off time, citing “exceptional nature of the circumstances”. It was actually a particular match as the 2 gladiators fought it out within the center, reminding the followers of the game, as soon as once more, how privileged they’re to reside within the period of the Big 3.Speaking after securing his passage to a fifth Roland Garros last, Novak Djokovic known as the win over Nadal his greatest-ever match on the Roland Garros.Pressure is a privilege: Djokovic”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,” Djokovic mentioned.Novak’s secret #RolandGarros| @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/jNdYZnWmZF— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
“To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis. It’s hard to find the words to sum up how I feel. You tell yourself there is no pressure but there is.”Pressure is a privilege – to check my recreation and my character in matches like this.”Djokovic became the first man to beat Nadal twice at Roland Garros as he ended the Spaniard’s perfect record in the semi-final. It was also the first time Nadal lost a match at the clay-court Grand Slam after going a set up. Djokovic will face 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final as he bids to win his 2nd French Open title.