Nadal Wins French Open Quarterfinal Showdown Against Rival Djokovic
Nadal Wins French Open Quarterfinal Showdown Against Rival Djokovic

Nadal Wins French Open , Quarterfinal Showdown , Against Rival Djokovic.

Nadal Wins French Open , Quarterfinal Showdown , Against Rival Djokovic.

On May 31, Rafael Nadal earned a quarterfinal victory against longtime rival Novak Djokovic.

On May 31, Rafael Nadal earned a quarterfinal victory against longtime rival Novak Djokovic.

ESPN reports that the victory puts Nadal one step closer to earning his 14th championship at the Grand Slam tournament.

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ESPN reports that the victory puts Nadal one step closer to earning his 14th championship at the Grand Slam tournament.

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A win would also see Nadal take home his 22nd major career trophy and add to a number of records he already holds.

A win would also see Nadal take home his 22nd major career trophy and add to a number of records he already holds.

To win against Novak, there is only one way -- to play at your best from the first point to the last.

Tonight has been one of those magic nights for me, Rafael Nadal, via ESPN.

To win against Novak, there is only one way -- to play at your best from the first point to the last.

Tonight has been one of those magic nights for me, Rafael Nadal, via ESPN.

The match between Nadal and the defending French Open champion lasted over four hours.

It was the pair's 59th match against each other, more than any other two men in the Open era.

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The win helped Nadal narrow Djokovic's lead in the series to 30-29, just one point away from a tie.

I lost to a better player today.

Had my chances.

Didn't use them.

That's it, Novak Djokovic.

Via ESPN.

I lost to a better player today.

Had my chances.

Didn't use them.

That's it, Novak Djokovic.

Via ESPN.

On June 3, Nadal will celebrate his 36th birthday while also facing third-seeded Alexander Zverev in a semifinal match.

On June 3, Nadal will celebrate his 36th birthday while also facing third-seeded Alexander Zverev in a semifinal match.

ESPN reports that Nadal showed no sign of being slowed down by chronic pain in his left foot.

The injury had previously kept him off the tour for the second half of 2021, but he returned before the French Open.