“I’ll remember this forever,” Says Djokovic of his Epic Win over Nadal to Reach Roland Garros Final
(June 11, 2021) World No. 1 Novak Djokovic came back from 5-0 down in the opening set to beat 13-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal 3-6,6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 in their semifinal match on Friday in Paris. Djokovic had to rally from 2-0 down in the fourth set to complete the victory. It marked just the third time that Nadal had ever lost at Roland Garros, Djokovic also beat him in 2016 and Robin Soderling did it in 2009.
“Just one of these nights and matches that you will remember forever,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic: «Definitely the match that I was ever part of in Roland Garros. Considering the level of tennis, playing my biggest rival and the atmosphere eas electric. It’s one of the nights you will never forget.» #Djokovic #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/NfqhaiNN8E
— Simon Häring (@_shaering) June 11, 2021
Nadal: The years are going by and I know that there is lesser chance with every year. It is a very important tournament for me, but I am aware that you can’t win every time. I will come back next year with the same attitude and work before. I played against one of the best ever.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) June 11, 2021
“Definitely the best match that I was part of ever in Roland Garros, for me, and top-three matches that I ever played in my entire career, considering quality of tennis, playing my biggest rival on the court where he has had so much success and has been the dominant force in the last 15-plus years.”
Djokovic is now 30-28 against his Spanish rival.
4️⃣ hours and 1️⃣1️⃣ minutes
You’ve earned that smile @DjokerNole!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/75wWsWNUwY
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
Celebration beyond earned 🥳#RolandGarros | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/8sofzbEaXK
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
Paris & Rafa ❤️#RolandGarros | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/xfxTqRk238
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
Djokovic will take on fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. Tsitsipas, 22, became the first Greek player to make a major final when he needed five sets to beat Alexander Zverev in the earlier semifinal match 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3. It will be the Greek’s first major final.
“I was trying to be in a good relationship with myself.”
Watch @steftsitsipas reflect on his first major semi-final win.👇#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/t65t8vWJNa
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 12, 2021
Djokovic will be seeking his 2nd Paris title, along with his 19 major title, which would put one behind Nadal and Roger Federer for the all-time lead at 20. The Serb would also be the first man in the Open Era to hold at least two of each of the major crowns.
“I’m not the freshest guy right now obviously,” Djokovic said to media. “But the good thing is that I have a day and a half to rejuvenate.”
“I’ll enjoy this victory a little bit. I think I deserve after this big win to just relax a little bit without thinking about the next opponent, even though it’s a Grand Slam final.”
🇬🇷Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic🇷🇸
It all comes down to this. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Mm1ijaynFj
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2021
