Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Knowing this French Open could be his last, Rafael Nadal had already turned his thoughts to his Roland Garros semi-final match minutes after beating Novak Djokovic in an epic quarter-final on Tuesday. Follow French Open 2022 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Nadal in ecstasy while Djokovic in despair after thrilling contest with all reactions
The 13-time French champion is chasing a record-extending 22nd men’s Grand Slam title. But time might be running out for the Spaniard, who has been suffering from a chronic foot injury that had put his participation in the claycourt major in doubt.
“I don’t know what can happen. I think I’m gonna be playing this tournament because we are doing the things to be ready to play this tournament, but I don’t know what’s gonna happen after here,” Nadal told a news conference after his 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) win against world number one Djokovic.
Nadal is already focusing on his next challenge – a semi-final against German third seed Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Nadal in ecstasy while Djokovic in despair after thrilling contest with all reactions
“In the end it has been a very emotional night for me. I am still playing for nights like today. But it is just a quarter-finals match,” he said.
“So I just gave myself a chance to be back on court in two days, play another semi-final here at Roland Garros means a lot to me.”
On the other hand, world number one Novak Djokovic said he was proud of the fight he put up in another vintage contest against his great rival Rafa Nadal in the French Open quarter-final, admitting that he lost to a better player.
“I gave my best,” Djokovic told reporters. “I know I could have played better. I’m proud of fighting and staying till the last shot.
“I lost to a better player today. Had my chances. Didn’t use them. That’s it. You know, over four hours’ battle, and I have to accept this defeat.”
Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Nadal in ecstasy while Djokovic in despair after thrilling contest with all reactions
The Serb congratulated Nadal for the victory and said he was not surprised by his opponent’s physical fitness during the long battle under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier.
“He was a better player I think in important moments,” Djokovic said. “Started very well. I didn’t start so great … I was gaining momentum as I was coming back in the second set, managed to win the second set, and I thought, ‘Okay, I’m back in the game.
Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Nadal in ecstasy while Djokovic in despair after thrilling contest with all reactions
“But then he had another two, three fantastic games at the beginning of the third. He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those, particularly moments at the beginning of all sets, actually, except the fourth.
“I had my chances. Just one or two shots. Could have taken me into a fifth. Then it’s really anybody’s match. But again, he showed why he’s a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it.”
Djokovic vs Nadal Reaction: Nadal in ecstasy while Djokovic in despair after thrilling contest with all reactions
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