French Open 2022: Nadal knocks out defending champion Djokovic to reach semis, HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome to Sportstar's highlights of the 2022 French Open men's singles quarterfinal between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic and 13-time champion Rafael Nadal face each other in the French Open quarterfinals,their 59th career meeting.

Thanks for tuning into Sportstar's live coverage of the 2022 French Open men's singles quarterfinal between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfurled on the Philippe-Chatrier Court at Roland Garros in Paris.

Rafael Nadal (ESP)	6	4	6	7
Novak Djokovic (SRB)	2	6	2	6 (4)

 

Rafael Nadal keeps his quest for a record-extending 14th French Open title alive with a gutsy four-set win over Novak Djokovic. In the semifinal, Nadal will be up against Germany's Alexander Zverev who defeated the Spaniard's compatriot and teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the day.

5:05 AM:

5 AM: Listen to what the court Philippe-Chatrier means to Rafael Nadal in this post-match on-court interview with Marion Bartoli

 

4:53 AM: THE MOMENT

 

FOURTH SET (* denotes server)

Mini break straight up for Nadal as Djokovic sends the forehand wide. Nadal hits the inside out forehand winner that just kisses the line - 2-0. Djokovic had the option to go for the down the line forehand but instead he went cross court giving Nadal to hit the forehand winner into the open court - 3-0  to Nadal. The Spaniard's forehand return just misses the baseline but he still leads 3-1. Stunning defence from Nadal draws another error from Djokovic who sends the forehand long - 4-1 to Nadal. Errors and more errors from Djokovic - this time a cross court backhand which goes well wide - and Nadal leads 5-1. A mistimed drop shot from Djokovic does not cross the net and it is five match point opportunities for Nadal. Djokovic saves one with a cross court backhand winner. He saves another as Nadal's cross court forehand goes flying past the baseline but now at 6-3, it is Nadal's serve. Ridiculous cross court forehand return from Djokovic to save third match point in a row. An imperious down the line backhand and it is game, set and match. THIRTEEN-TIME CHAMPION RAFAEL NADAL REACHES HIS 15TH FRENCH OPEN SEMIFINAL WITH A 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4) WIN OVER DEFENDING CHAMPION NOVAK DJOKOVIC.

Djokovic 6-6 Nadal* - A gorgeous down the line forehand winner from Nadal to begin the game. Djokovic's backhand down the line goes wide and Nadal leads 30-0. Unforced backhand error from the Serbian gives Nadal three game points as the match clock touches the four-hour mark. A massive second serve down the T to close out the game and force the tiebreak from Nadal.

Nadal to serve to stay in the set and force the tiebreaker.

Djokovic* 6-5 Nadal - Three forehand winners and Djokovic leads 40-15. Nadal goes for the forehand down the line but the ball goes flying off the court.

Djokovic 5-5 Nadal* - Nadal wins the first two points before sending one forehand long. Two game point chances for the Spaniard. Serve down the T and Djokovic's return goes into the net. Parity restores as Nadal holds.

Nadal to serve to stay in the set once again.

Djokovic* 5-4 Nadal - A drop shot winner from Nadal to win the first point. Djokovic answers with an ace to make it 15-15. Blistering forehand down the line from Nadal. Another gun first serve from the Serbian followed by a cross court forehand winner - 30-30. Another quick serve down the T and Djokovic has a set point. Cross court backhand from Djokovic hits the net and it is 40-40!!! Serve wide to Nadal's backhand who reads it well but still, the Serbian wins another set point opportunity. Not yet says Nadal as he makes it 40-all again with an unbelievable backhand pass. Nadal forces out a couple of weak returns from Novak before putting the point away with a forehand winner and earning a break point. Djokovic takes the risk with a drop shot but reaps the rewards as he saves the break point with a cross court volley. Nadal gets another break point chance as Djokovic's backhand goes wide. Nadal breaks.

Djokovic 5-3 Nadal* - An outrageous down the line forehand return from Nadal helps him go 40-0 up. Some dogged piece of defending from Rafa to hold serve.

Djokovic* 5-2 Nadal - Loopy return from Nadal affects Djokovic's balance and the Serbian hits the forehand wide. Nadal misses a rare forehand down the line as the Serbian moves ahead 30-15. Cross court backhand from Nadal goes wide and it is two game points for Djokovic. He wastes the first one by sending the forehand long after doing all the hard work in the rally. Another missed forehand down the line from Nadal and Djokovic holds. Nadal to serve to stay in the set.

Djokovic 4-2 Nadal* - Serve wide to Djokovic's backhand and the return goes long. Repeat and Nadal goes 30-0 up. Perfect hold of serve from Nadal.

Djokovic* 4-1 Nadal - Powerful first serves from Djokovic help him go 40-0 up.  Nadal forces out a heavy return and follows the next rally with a no look cross court volley to make it 30-40. The Spaniard had a decent chance to level things up with Djokovic out of position but he hit the backhand down the line wide. Djokovic holds.

Djokovic 3-1 Nadal* - Djokovic senses this is the time to run away with the set and attacks immediately with a blazing forehand winner to win the opening point on Nadal's serve.  However, two errors from him and a forehand down the line from Nadal take the 13-time champion 40-15 up. Nadal holds. Djokovic still up by a break though.

Djokovic* 3-0 Nadal - Backhand into the net from Nadal and Djokovic moves ahead 30-0. Great reading of the play from Djokovic who guessed Nadal's drop shot and despite needing an extra volley, won the point. Serve down the T followed by a forehand down the line to consolidate the break. Djokovic leads 3-0.

Djokovic 2-0 Nadal* - Net chord is certainly not Djokovic's friend tonight. He had all but won the point by sending Rafa the wrong way but his down the line forehand took a wicked deflection allowing the Spaniard to get back into the rally and win the point after a miscued volley from the Serbian. Error in the cross court forehand from Nadal and it is 30-all.  Is this the time for the world number one to push? Looks like it is as he forces Nadal to hit a heavy return. Djokovic breaks as Nadal's cross court slice lands just wide.

Djokovic* 1-0 Nadal - Incredible effort from Nadal who reacted a little late to Djokovic's drop shot but still managed to send the return just over the net to win the point. Double fault from Novak makes it 30-all. Finally, the drop shot works for Djokovic as he leads 40-30. A forehand down the line to hold serve in this crucial fourth set for the defending champion.

Djokovic serving first in the fourth set.

THIRD SET (* denotes server)

Djokovic 2-6 Nadal* - Djokovic gets to Nadal's cross court forehand and forces him to play one more shot which works as Nadal sends the overhead long. Strong serve down the T from Nadal, Djokovic does well to return but soon hits a forehand long. Forehand into the net from the world number one and Nadal leads 30-15. Body serve, followed by a forehand down the line gives Nadal two set points as Novak's lob lands wide. The Serbian saves one with a scintillating down the line forehand. Nadal wins the second set 6-2 as Djokovic hits an easy cross court forehand wide.

Djokovic* 2-5 Nadal - Djokovic serves the game out in no time. Nadal to serve for the third set now.

Djokovic 1-5 Nadal* - Nadal begins serving for this game in the same manner as he did in the last one -  double fault. Clinical stuff from the Spaniard who serves wide and finishes the point with a delicate volley. Inside out cross court forehand winner and Nadal is up 30-15. Djokovic had Nadal where he wanted after a weak backhand return from the world number five but the Serbian sent the cross court forehand long. One more unforced error on the forehand from Novak and Nadal holds to lead 5-1.

Djokovic* 1-4 Nadal - More trouble for the Serbian who was 30-0 but a serious of careless errors leaves him down by double break. Can he repeat what he did in the second set?

Djokovic 1-3 Nadal* - A double fault to start from Nadal. The Spaniard fails to put the first volley away but hits the overhead cross court one nicely to make it 15-15. Nadal somehow manages to stay in the rally and to everyone's surprise, Djokovic makes a mess of the overhead by hitting it bang into the net. However, he does have the mental fortitude to forget the blunder and move ahead. He does that and comes back from 15-40 to make it 40-all. Nadal sends the serve down the T, nothing too wrong with the return from the Serbian but it does go long and it is advantage to the Spaniard. Double fault again and it is 40-all again. Nadal mistimes the cross court volley and hits the net but on the very next point, Djokovic fails to convert the break point with a forehand into the net. The Serbian had the entire court to him and yet, he decided to go down the centre giving Nadal the chance to execute a difficult volley which he does - advantage to the Spaniard. Drop shot is slowly becoming doom shot for Djokovic as he hits another one poorly as Nadal holds.

Djokovic* 1-2 Nadal - A good service game, much needed, for Djokovic and he holds to trail by 1-2.

Djokovic 0-2 Nadal* - Body serve from Rafa and Novak's inside out forehand goes well wide. Djokovic hasn't executed the drop shots particularly well today and yet he is persisting with it committing errors in the process. Net chord takes Novak's cross court forehand wide and Nadal leads 40-0. Djokovic almost made the comeback after drawing two errors from Nadal but on the third time of asking, the Spaniard sealed it with a down the line forehand.

Djokovic* 0-1 Nadal - Problems early on for Djokovic as twice, he has tried to stay in the rally but on both occasions, Nadal has managed to hit the overhead perfectly. Soft second serve from the Serbian allows Nadal to put the pressure on him and Djokovic hits the forehand into the net. Nadal breaks Djokovic in the opening game again as the Serbian's forehand goes long.

Djokovic to serve first in the third set as well.

SECOND SET (* denotes server)

Djokovic 6-4 Nadal* - Backhand into the net from Djokovic after comfortably retrieving Nadal's serve down the T. World number one sends the forehand return long.  Stunning return from Djokovic - wide serve from Nadal and Novak's return landed right at the Spaniard's feet. Djokovic makes it 30-all to put the pressure on Nadal. Set point for Djokovic as his cross court forehand gave Nadal the chance to win the point with a down the line backhand which he hits into the net. Nadal saves the set point with a couple of confident backhand shots. Strong serve from Nadal and Djokovic sends the return long. Nadal started with the body serve but it is the Serbian who dictates the rest of the rally and draws a lose backhand return from his opponent. Another set point for Djokovic as Nadal's wide serve falls perfectly on the Serb's forehand who hits it directly at the Spaniard's feet followed by wide backhand from Nadal. Nadal hits the forehand long and Djokovic, from a double break down, comes back to win the second set 6-4.

Djokovic* 5-4 Nadal - Nadal attempts the running forehand pass but there is not enough power in it. A lose backhand down the line from Djokovic into the net after Nadal manages to return his serve. In the end, a pretty comfortable hold of serve for Djokovic.

Djokovic 4-4 Nadal* - Error on the forehand from Nadal to lose the first point but the same helps him win the second after setting it up with a wide serve. Djokovic tiring out Nadal with long rallies and it works as Nadal's backhand slice goes into the net. Not every time though as Nadal manages to stay in the rally on the next point, lobs one over Novak and finishes it with an overhead volley. Important point for the Spaniard who has a game point at 40-30 now. Determined Djokovic comes forward and wrong foots Nadal with a cross court backhand to make it 40-all. Couple of big serves from the Spaniard to hold serve.

Djokovic is well and truly in this and he lets everyone know with a huge roar after winning the game.

Djokovic* 4-3 Nadal - Djokovic on the rise as he quickly moves to 30-0 on his serve. However, in the blink of an eye, it is 30-all after a great drop shot from Nadal and a poor one from the Serbian. The world number one lets out a huge roar as Nadal's forehand goes into the net. No surprises - 40-all as it has been that sort of a day. Double fault from Novak and out of nowhere, Rafa has a break point chance. Strong and wide serve from Djokovic gets the return from Nadal which barely crosses the net and the Serbian finishes it with a forehand down the line. Serve out wide helping Djokovic control the rally from outset as he gets a game point with a backhand down the line. Second serve from Djokovic allows Nadal to get himself into the rally and when down the line forehand does not work, the cross court forehand does. Easy save for Djokovic as he serves wide to Nadal's backhand and puts the volley into the open court. Forehand from Novak goes long to make it 40-all and he almost gives a break point chance on the next rally as Nadal guesses the forehand right but hits his own one into the net. Djokovic wins fourth game in a row to move ahead 4-3!

Last game's duration: 18 minutes

Djokovic 3-3 Nadal* - Djokovic with a glorious forehand down the line finds the corner and a weak return from Nadal. Computer-like precision from Djokovic in the rally as he forces Nadal into the right corner and then wins the point with a cross court forehand to go 30-0 up on Nadal's serve. A bit of magic from Nadal who fools the Serbian and goes for the forehand down the line while also finding the line. Two break points for Djokovic now as the errors keep on piling from Nadal lately. The Spaniard saves one with Djokovic sending his cross court backhand wide. Can he save another? Yes he can and how! An ace down the T. Brilliant tennis from both - Djokovic kept targeting Nadal's backhand but the Spaniard just kept on sending one return after another and the Serbian eventually hits the cross court forehand into the net. Game point for Nadal but he fails to convert it and it's deuce. Second serve of Nadal, Serbian goes around the ball for the cross court forehand but just misses the line and it is advantage to the 13-time champion. Quality inside out cross court forehand winner from Djokovic to make it 40-all again. Djokovic thought he had it when he sent one down the line on Nadal's drop shot but the Spaniard somehow won the point with a forehand pass. First double fault of the night for Nadal and what a time to commit an error like this - 40-all. Adding insult to injury, Nadal gets a time violation. Rising ball but Nadal makes the necessary adjustments to hit the cross court forehand and earn one more game point opportunity. Nadal gets away with a couple of his  shots landing just on the baseline but the luck does not last long as his forehand does. Break point for Djokovic as Nadal's inside out forehand lands into the net. This has been a pretty long game and Djokovic's misfortune with the net chord makes sure that it goes on. He does not have to wait long for another opportunity as Nadal's weak double handed backhand goes into the net. Nadal saves the break point by covering up for a poor drop shot with a backhand down the line getting the error from the Serbian. It was there for the taking but Nadal errs in the execution of the cross court forehand. Djokovic breaks, finally, as Nadal's backhand down the line goes wide. This set is already longer than the first set and we're only halfway there.

Nadal walks back to the chair umpire before serving, saying there is something in his eyes. Good to go now.

Djokovic* 2-3 Nadal - Djokovic seems to have been re-energised by that break of serve as he hits a cross court volley at the net and an ace to go 30-0 up. Great anticipation from Djokovic on Nadal's drop shot and he just caresses it cross court. A cross court forehand winner to seal the game for Djokovic.

Djokovic 1-3 Nadal* - Unforced error from Nadal as his forehand goes off the court. Wide serve from Nadal, Djokovic somehow manages to retrieve and then rush back to return Nadal's volley at the net but the Spaniard comes out on top with another simple volley in the open court. Another unforced error from Nadal on the forehand and it is 30-30, just the kind of opportunity Djokovic is looking for. Djokovic has a break point ( only his third of the match) as Nadal's forehand lands just past the baseline which is confirmed by the chair umpire following the Serbian's appeal.  Djokovic breaks for the first time in this match as Nadal errs on the drop shot and fails to make it go over the net.

Djokovic* 0-3 Nadal - Djokovic wins the first point and seemed destined to win another as Nadal's return on his wide serve was perfect for the forehand down the line but the Serbian hit it straight into the net. No worries though as much better first serves from the world number one take him to 40-15. A forehand goes long from Djokovic to give Nadal a chance and he takes it on the next point by a brilliant down the line forehand pass. This is bizarre from Djokovic as he commits another mistake with his cross court forehand having not enough elevation in it. Break point for Nadal. Nadal up by a double break in the second set as he anticipates the drop shot from the Serbian, rushes to the net and slices it past him.

Djokovic 0-2 Nadal* - Probably one of the best rallies of the match so far to begin the second game of the second set. Novak kept pushing Nadal back with strong returns but it was the Spaniard who clinched the point with a cross court forehand pass. A serve down the T and Nadal leads 30-0. Make it 40-0 as he half volleys the forehand into the open court. Another perfect serve down the T with a lot of bounce on it and Djokovic barely manages to get some racquet on it.

Djokovic* 0-1 Nadal - Djokovic serves first in the second game and finds himself in trouble at 30-40 with another unforced error. Djokovic serves down the T and Nadal's return just lands long. Nadal with the advantage as his down the line forehand finds the baseline and the Serbian's return goes into the net. Good first serve followed by great movement helps Djokovic draw the error from Nadal whose forehand goes way past the baseline. Lovely bit of variation in Nadal's returns and he wins the point with a forehand cross court volley. Djokovic saves another break point but gifts another with another uncharacteristic error - a backhand down the line goes long. This time, Nadal errors as his forehand goes long. Fifth break point for Nadal courtesy of a smooth cross court drop shot.  Djokovic saves it again as Nadal's backhand down the line just misses the line. Break point number six for Nadal as he replies well to Djokovic's wide serve with a return close to the Serbian's body and finishes the rally with a forehand down the line. Djokovic saves break point AGAIN by taking complete control of the rally and then gifts one AGAIN. On the seventh time of asking, Nadal takes the game with a cross court forehand followed by a cross court volley. A 13-minute first game.

FIRST SET (* denotes server)

Rally of the first set? What do you think?

 

Djokovic 2-6 Nadal* - Nadal comes forehand to finish the point with a forehand volley by Djokovic's return dips viciously and the volley from Nadal lands into the net. Serve out wide followed by a forehand down the line - 15-15. Djokovic with a cross court forehand, gets a weak return from Nadal and ends it with a forehand down the line. Nadal executes the volley at the net this time after getting the perfect height from Djokovic's return. Error from Serbian on the cross court backhand and it is set point for the Spaniard. Wide serve from Nadal and Djokovic's return lands into the net. Nadal wins the opening set 6-2 in 49 minutes.

Eight unforced errors by Djokovic, five by Nadal so far.

Djokovic* 2-5 Nadal - Djokovic pushes Nadal back with a down the line backhand and finishes the point with a volley at the net. Guess who? It's net chord again. This time, Djokovic's shot takes a deflection and gives Nadal all the time in the world to wrong foot him and go with a cross court forehand. A fierce forehand down the centre from Djokovic and Nadal has no chance with the backhand. Nadal's cross court forehand goes wide and Djokovic stays in the set.

Djokovic 1-5 Nadal* - Serve down the T from Nadal and Djokovic's return goes long. Another point in similar fashion on second serve. Second serve of Nadal again and Djokovic hits it into the net - unusual errors from the world number one. Nadal serves wide to Djokovic's left who sends the return just long.

Djokovic* 1-4 Nadal - Djokovic opens the game with a strong serve but two unforced errors leave him trailing 15-30. Not for long though! Excellent point construction from the Serbian who finishes it with a beautiful inside out forehand. Danger for Novak as a weak cross court forehand hits the tape and lands on his side - down 30-40. Nadal up by double break as he wins this game with a down-the-line forehand.

Djokovic 1-3 Nadal* - A lot of "oohs" and "aahs" from the crowd in that rally which involved the net chord, Nadal hitting a devilish slice before Djokovic's backhand went wide. Djokovic ahead 30-15 as Nadal's weak forehand goes into the net. Djokovic positions himself brilliantly for the cross court forehand on Nadal's serve and gets two break points. Nadal saves one as Djokovic's slice lands past the baseline. And he saves the second one too!! Djokovic rushed in quickly on Nadal's drop shot but the Spaniard hits a perfect overhead volley. Djokovic ends Nadal's streak of three consecutive points with a drop shot in reply to which, Nadal can only manage to hit the ball into the net - 40-all again. A flurry of cross court and down the line forehands from Nadal which ultimately brings a weak return from Djokovic. Net chord hurting the Serbian again as his forehand takes a wicked deflection and the ball goes past the baseline.

Djokovic* 1-2 Nadal - Nadal unleashes the forehand with the heavy top-spin but it just does not come back enough to find the line. Serve out wide, comes to the net and hits a blistering down the line forehand - Djokovic 30-0. Make that 40-0 as same tactic but this time he finishes with a cross court forehand. An ace to finish the game.

Djokovic 0-2 Nadal* - Djokovic balloons one and Nadal's forehand goes long. Strong serve down the T from the Spaniard followed by a forehand down the line to finish the point. First ace of the match and it comes from Nadal's racquet who decides to go wide this time. A couple of great returns from Djokovic draw the error on the forehand eventually from Nadal. Pinpoint accuracy on the double-handed forehand from Nadal as Djokovic lets it go but the ball finds the line. Nadal consolidates the break after reading Djokovic's drop and replying to it with a forehand pass.

Djokovic* 0-1 Nadal - A sensational rally on the second point of the match itself. A couple of Djokovic returns landing bang on the baseline. Nadal hits an inside out forehand and the Serbian's return hits the net. A glorious forehand winner from Nadal to make it 30-30. Wide serve from Djokovic and Nadal's two-handed backhand lands into the net. Djokovic tries not to give Nadal any room before he hits one that takes a deflection off the net chord and the Spaniard wrong foots him with a cross court forehand. Great anticipation from Nadal after Djokovic decides to go cross court on the Spaniard's drop shot. Deuce again as Djokovic brings Nadal to the net with a delightful drop shot and then lobs with Nadal in no position to hit a proper return. Big moment once again as Djokovic's double-handed backhand goes long.  The Serbian makes Nadal run left and right before getting a weak return - deuce #3. Nadal has earned third break point opportunity as Djokovic's running forehand hits the net. Nadal breaks in the opening game as Djokovic hits one on to the net chord and the ball deflects to land in his side of the court.

---------------

Djokovic to serve.

Warm-up is done.Game time!

12:27 AM: Both players are on the court. Few minutes to go before live action begins.

 

12:20 AM: Before the two stars step on court, let's have a look at their results leading up to the quarterfinal.

	Rafael Nadal	Novak Djokovic
First Round	beat Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-2, 6-2, 6-2	beat Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-3, 6-1, 6-0
Second Round	beat Corentin Moutet (FRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-4	beat Alex Molcan (SVK) 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (4)
Third Round	beat Botic Van De Zandschulp (NED) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4	beat Aljaz Bedene (SVN) 6-3, 6-3, 6-2
Fourth Round	beat Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3	beat Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 6-3

12:10 AM: World number one versus world number five. Two-time French Open champion against 13-time French Open champion. One of the greatest all-court players vs the King of Clay. Who do you think will win?

12 AM: Here's a glimpse of the EPIC 2013 French Open semifinal between Nadal and Djokovic.

In case you want to know more about Nadal's 2013 French Open title, here you go:

11:50 PM: Head-to-head - Djokovic leads 30-28 overall but Nadal leads 10-7 in Grand Slam tournaments, including a 7-2 record at Roland Garros. Check the previous French Open meetings between the two giants of the sport here:

11:45 PM: First up, let's have a look at the numbers (courtesy ATP Media Notes) behind the two players involved in this mega clash:-

Seventeenth straight season and an Open Era men’s-record 59th time overall when Nadal and Djokovic are playing each other First time in the Open Era in men’s tennis a match features two players with at least 20 Grand Slam titles (Nadal - 21, Djokovic - 20) First time in the Open Era in men’s tennis a match features two players with at least 1,000 match wins (Nadal - 1055, Djokovic - 1005) First time in the Open Era in men’s tennis a match features two players with at least 300 Grand Slam wins (Djokovic - 327, Nadal - 302)

11:40 PM: When Djokovic and Nadal step on the court in less than an hour, they know their potential semifinal opponent - Germany's Alexander Zverev, who has just beaten Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 6-4 4-6, 7-6 (7) in a thrilling quarterfinal.

11:30 PM: Well, here we are. As predicted once the draw came out, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are set to face each other in the men's singles quarterfinal of the 2022 French Open.

MATCH PREVIEW

Djokovic, Nadal clash for 59th time in French Open blockbuster

Novak Djokovic renews his 16-year rivalry with Rafael Nadal at the French Open on Tuesday with a semifinal spot at stake and where victory for the world number one could end the 13-time champion's Roland Garros career.

Nadal, who turns 36 on Friday, puts his record of 109 wins and just three losses in Paris since his title-winning debut in 2005 on the line against the defending champion.

The Spaniard was taken to five sets for only the third time at the tournament by 21-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round.

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In the immediate aftermath of that victory, Nadal admitted that not only was this year's French Open at stake but possibly his entire playing future.

"I know my situation, and I accept it," said Nadal, who arrived in Paris unsure if he would be able to take part after suffering a recurrence of a chronic foot injury which has plagued him for most of his career.

"I am just enjoying the fact that I am here for one more year. And being honest, every match that I play here, I don't know if it's going to be my last at Roland Garros."

Overall, Djokovic leads Nadal 30-28 since their first career meeting at the 2006 French Open.

Nadal has a 19-8 edge on clay and has won seven of the pair's nine meetings in Paris.

Djokovic, however, came out on top in the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2021 on his way to a second title.

Night fears

That defeat took a physical toll on Nadal who then skipped Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.

With Djokovic deported from Melbourne on the eve of the Australian Open, Nadal seized the opportunity to claim a record-setting 21st Grand Slam title, breaking a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Both men are playing in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the 16th time.

Djokovic has reached the last-eight with ease. He has won 22 sets in a row, a run stretching back to his Italian Open triumph in Rome.

"I'm glad that I didn't spend too much time on the court up to the quarter-finals, knowing that playing Nadal in Roland Garros is always a physical battle," said Djokovic.

Adding an extra twist was a battle of wills over scheduling which Nadal lost Monday when organisers selected the quarter-final for the night session under the Court Philippe Chatrier lights.

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"I don't like to play on clay during the night, because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it's cold," said Nadal.

Djokovic hinted he would prefer to face Nadal as late as possible.

"All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests," he said.

Nadal's coach Carlos Moya said that the Spaniard's opinion should have carried weight.

"I wouldn't say disrespect, but here at Roland Garros, Rafa has credit," Moya told RMC Sport.

"He has won the tournament 13 times, and if he has a request, you should listen to him. He is part of the history of Roland Garros."

"But in the end, it is a question of business and we understand that."

Carlos Alcaraz, who faces Alexander Zverev, said it would have been "unfair" if he was ordered to play after 9pm for the third time.

- AFP