The quarterfinals, which ended just after 1am local time in Paris, lasted more than four hours and were one of the most anticipated of the tournament.
In their face-off matches, Nadal has beaten Djokovic 29 times, more than any other two men in the professional era of the game, while Djokovic has won 30 times.
During Natalie’s long career, she played 113 games at Roland Garros and won 110. Djokovic was responsible for two of these three defeats in Paris.
But could this year’s French Open be Nadal’s last match? The 13-time Roland Keros champion, who is battling a nagging leg injury, is not sure.
Following a five-set victory over Felix Agar-Aliasim in the 16th round on Sunday, Nadal said, “Two and a half weeks ago, after Rome I had (positive optimism) I didn’t even know I could be here. So I’m still here for a year. In fact, every game I’ve played here, I do not know if this will be my last match. Roland Kross in my tennis career. “
Following his four-set victory over Djokovic, he told reporters that it was “one of these unforgettable nights” and that he would “put everything” into trying to “play this match with the best possible atmosphere”.
“The crowd was amazing from the start of the match,” Nadal said. “I don’t know. I think they know I’m not going to be here (many times) yet.”
Natalie was asked if she had any additional emotional burden knowing that any one match might be her last match.
“I do not know what will happen. Like I said before, I’m going to play in this tournament because we’re ready to play in this tournament, but I do not know what’s going to happen here.
“I keep what I have on my feet, so if I can not find an improvement or a small solution in it, it becomes very difficult for me.”
Nadal said he was happy every day at Roland Garros “without thinking too much about what will happen in the future” and “will continue to struggle to find a solution”.
After the match, Djokovic said, “Nadal showed me why he’s a great champion. You know, mentally hard, he finished the match the way he did.”
World No. 1 said, “I gave my best” but “I know I could have played better.”
“I’m proud to have fought to the last shot. Like I said, you know, I lost to a great player today … In a battle that lasted more than four hours, I had to accept this defeat.”
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