French Open: Rafael Nadal defeats old foe Novak Djokovic in epic encounter at Roland Garros | Tennis News

Rafael Nadal stays on course for his 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam after edging world No 1 Novak Djokovic in an epic clash lasting four hours and 12 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier

Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in an epic late-night battle

Rafael Nadal won a classic late-night battle with old foe Novak Djokovic to reach
the semi-finals of the French Open.

The Spaniard, looking for a 14th Roland Garros title, battled to a 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) victory over the defending champion and world No 1, in a match lasting four hours and 12 minutes which finished at 1.15 am local time.

Zverev topples Alcaraz in quality encounter

Alexander Zverev tamed the high-flying teenager and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz to reach the French Open semi-finals

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open title bid ended in a four-set defeat by Alexander Zverev.

The 19-year-old was tipped by many as a potential winner this year, but he paid for a slow start to the match as third seed Zverev triumphed in a thrilling encounter 6-4 6-4 4-6 7-6 (9-7).

“I knew I had to play my best tennis today and I’m happy I did,” said Zverev.

“I told him at the net he will win this a lot of times, I just hope I win it before he starts.”

This was the first time the 25-year-old Zverev defeated a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam in 12 attempts and his victory came against a player who came into the contest having won 14 consecutive matches.

Alcaraz made 56 unforced errors as Zverev saved a set point in the fourth set tie-break before converting his second match point with a magnificent backhand return to reach his second straight semi-final at Roland Garros.

Alcaraz’s time will surely come, and sooner rather than later.

He said: “I would say I finished the match playing better. I leave the court, leave the tournament with the head very high. I fought until the last ball. I fought until the last second of the match, and I’m proud of it.”

There was disappointment for Britain in the men’s doubles as top seeds Joe Salisbury and American Rajeev Ram lost a match tie-break in their quarter-final against Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.

Neal Skupski and Dutchman Wesley Koolhof were also beaten in three by Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

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