Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: French Open Mens Final live scores, blog (Pt II)
Roar Guru Live Scores
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
|
2012 French Open Live Scores Men's Singles, Final Paris R. Nadal won in 4 sets |
|---|
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
The troublesome Parisian weather has forced the 2012 French Open Mens Final to take a leaf out of Harry Potter’s book and split its final into two parts. Join us from 9pm AEST (1pm local time) to see if Rafael Nadal can advance his two sets to one lead over Novak Djokovic as play commences in the stalled match.
Nadal leads: 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 1-2 at the start of play
Part one of the Final saw Rafael Nadal gain the early ascendency by taking the first two sets rather convincingly, courtesy of 30 unforced errors from his opponent, and after getting up a break in the third, a swift victory seemed inevitable.
However, as in the quarter final against local favourite Jean Wilfred Tsonga, Djokovic refused to be beaten and came roaring back to win a spectacular eight games in a row to take the third set.
Sadly, Djokovic’s momentum was halted as rain interrupted play early in the fourth set causing the rest of the match to be postponed for a day for the first time since 1973. Event organisers are coming under fire for not scheduling the final for earlier in the day with rain being forecast for the evening.
Play is scheduled to resume today at the 1.00pm local time but with the rain refusing to let up and showers forecast till the middle of the week it looks likely that the weather will further influence the match.
With the game now finely balanced in the fourth set both players will be looking to put all distractions out of their minds, come back fully refreshed and give the final everything they’ve got.
Look for an explosive performance from both players in this final sprint towards the line.
Looking to join The Roar team? We're searching for an experienced Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. Yes, this does mean you get to work with the site all day long! If you're a digital media sales star, we want to hear from you. Apply now.
The Crowd Says (37) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- French Open, live blog, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tenns
10:19pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:19pm | Report comment
Djokovic thanks the fans for their continuing support throughout the tournament and great to see them cheer him on in a sport he loves.
Nadal says it’s incredible to win again and a privilege to play against someone of the class of Novak. Now he breaks out into Spanish (nope, I’m lost now). Thanks the crowd, can’t wait to try to win his 8th title next year.
Reminded he’s passed Bjorn Borg’s record. “For me, the most important thing is this tournament… I’m really emotional and probably one of the most special moments of his career”. Asked if he has space for the trophy “I’ll always find a space!”
So Rafael Nadal consolidates his title as the King of Clay with another masterful fortnight. He didn’t drop a set on his way to the final, only dropping serve once.
He was challenged in rapidly changing conditions in the first day of the final. But upon the resumption, he worked a lot harder around the court, used his forehand to his advantage and came away with his seventh French Open title.
Thanks for joining us tonight for this history making night.
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5
10:29pm
Rob from Brumby Country said | 10:29pm | Report comment
From what I caught of the Spanish, he was just thanking his family, team and supporters for their support, without which “this would be impossible”.
10:53pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:53pm | Report comment
Thanks Rob! Spanish is something I need to dust up. If Usain Bolt needs it to chat up the Spanish women, why not I!
10:12pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:12pm | Report comment
Novak Djokovic gets a rousing reception from the crowd as he accepts the runners up trophy.
The Coupe des Mousquetaires to be presented by Mats Wilander – the all too familiar walk to receive the trophy!
He almost fell off the stage lifting it up – just about clocked himself on the head.
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5
10:05pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:05pm | Report comment
The rain delay yesterday came at the perfect time for Rafael Nadal. He was being challenged very quickly by Novak Djokovic. Nole was 2-0 down a 2 sets down, then rallied to win 8 games straight.
But the dream of holding all four Grand Slam titles is put on hold for a little while.
That is now 11 Grand Slam titles all up for Nadal – one of the most remarkable records at Roland Garros – 52 wins from 53 matches. He’s unstoppable in Paris!
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5
10:02pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:02pm | Report comment
A double fault!!!
That’s it. Rafael Nadal wins his record 7th French Open title over two days. The two embrace at the net. Another epic
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5
10:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:01pm | Report comment
Djokovic tries to go down the T with his serve, return was monsterous… then eventually hits the forehand winner. Nadal brings up match point
Djokovic 30-40
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-5
10:00pm
TheSportsFreak said | 10:00pm | Report comment
Second serve means Nadal can attack more… he forces Novak to hit his forehand long. 2 points away…
Djokovic 30-30
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-5
9:59pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:59pm | Report comment
Nadal puts the first ball into the net.
The crowd in the same jovial mood as the day of Goran Ivanisevic’s win over Pat Rafter at the 2001 Wimbledon (that was on a Monday).
A couple of high lobs from Nadal to try and stay in the point at 15-15 finally smashed away by Djokovic
Djokovic 30-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-5
9:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:56pm | Report comment
Rafael Nadal once again four points from the title. Deft little touch at the net draws Djokovic in… but his pick up goes long.
He’s close again…
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-5
9:54pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:54pm | Report comment
Djokovic trying to get the upper hand. Maybe the questioning call before from Nadal has sparked Djokovic.
Runs to the net to put that ball away.
But, he can’t control the next ball – hits it long. Game point Nadal
Nadal 40-30
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-5
9:52pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:52pm | Report comment
Nadal not sure on one of the shots hitting the line or not – he didn’t stop play though, so he can’t contest it. Has to be immediate. Easy put-away from Novak.
Nadal 30-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-5
9:51pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Huge ace down the T from Nadal. Rocked it! Good freebie
Nadal 30-0
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-5
9:50pm
Johnno said | 9:50pm | Report comment
Novak is such a mentally strong athlete as you will see up there best of them.
9:53pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Massive contrast to about 3 years ago when you’d see him pull out of Grand Slams when he was trailing in the fifth (that’s happened a couple of times)
9:49pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:49pm | Report comment
Great serve Djokovic, Nadal mis-hits out to the right. Game Djokovic
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-5
9:49pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:49pm | Report comment
More great angles from Djokovic – hitting the lines since the mini-restart.
The crowd on their feet after that one. No surprise, the crowd wants more!
Djokovic 40-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:48pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:48pm | Report comment
Gutsy shot from Djokovic to go so close to the line and get Nadal out of court. Had to lob the ball up, only to have Djokovic smash it away
Djokovic 30-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:46pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:46pm | Report comment
Ripping forehand from Novak to get Nadal stretching… mishits the diving forehand.
Then Djokovic overhits a forehand to level it up
Djokovic 15-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:45pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:45pm | Report comment
Rafael Nadal has come sprinting back out onto Court Phillippe Chatrier!
We’re back on. Nadal 4 points from the title. Djokovic serving…
Djokovic 0-0
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:43pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:43pm | Report comment
The rain is getting heavier unfortunately. Djokovic and Nadal had a quick chat about it. Nadal asks the officials to “save the balls”! Not superstitious at all!
The tournament director halts proceedings, but no covers on the courts just yet!
We play the waiting game…
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:41pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:41pm | Report comment
The tournament director’s on his phone now… doesn’t fill me with a lot of confidence.
But, Nadal wins his serve to love… comfortable hold. A game away from the title. Pressure stays on Djokovic from here.
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 5-4
9:40pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:40pm | Report comment
There’s really menacing clouds up above, but just a few sprinkles so far. Hopefully nothing more.
The workrate from both these players has been great so far today. Nadal runs around to his forehand – he loves it today! Wins the point
Nadal 40-0
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-4
9:38pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:38pm | Report comment
Then an ace out wide brings it back level at 4-4 in the 4th!
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-4
9:38pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:38pm | Report comment
The tournament director looking up in the skies… it’s never good when you see him courtside…
Djokovic puts a backhand long to make this next point crucial!
30-30 – Djokovic serves very wide to the backhand of Nadal – netted by Nadal
Djokovic 40-30
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-3
9:36pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:36pm | Report comment
Pressure at the net from Djokovic means Nadal has to scramble… took the smash 4m behind the baseline. Hits it long
Djokovic 30-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-3
9:35pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:35pm | Report comment
Getting a little darker and the rain has just started falling a little at Roland Garros.
Nadal might have to work quickly, or there might be another delay coming soon.
Djokovic serving. Puts the first one wide. Then Nadal just misses the baseline with his backhand
Djokovic 15-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-3
9:32pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:32pm | Report comment
Djokovic hits his forehand into the net for 2 game points to Nadal.
Djokovic tries to open up with a big forehand down the line, but beaten by the finesse of Nadal. Game to the Spaniard
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 4-3
9:30pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:30pm | Report comment
Keep in mind, Nadal’s 3 games from his 7th French Open title. Hard to believe when you’ve only played for 20 minutes today.
Wins the first two points. Wants to really dominate the forehand – got Djokovic out of court to set himself up at 30-0
Nadal 30-0
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 3-3
9:28pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:28pm | Report comment
Djokovic’s backhand called out – umpire inspects the mark… calls it good! Game to Djokovic. Important he fired back quickly
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 3-3
9:27pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Another beautiful forehand from Nadal gets Djokovic on the wrong foot… just misses the line though.
Game point for Djokovic
Djokovic 40-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 3-2
9:26pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:26pm | Report comment
Pressure now on Djokovic to bring himself back into the contest quickly. He can’t falter from here, or it’ll be over in a flash.
Good work at the net to win the first point. But then a great whipping cross-court forehand from Nadal hits the line.
Next ball, Nadal stetching to his backhand, but nets it
Djokovic 30-15
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 3-2
9:22pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:22pm | Report comment
No movement of the feet from Djokovic to return the wide serve to the backhand.
The a jarring serve into the body, then hit long.
And another long ball from Djokovic
Easy hold of serve to Nadal
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 3-2
9:20pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:20pm | Report comment
The full run around by Djokovic to try to stay in the opening point of the fifth game. A couple of slice backhands has helped Nadal so far in the set. He then whips a forehand down the middle of the court to win the point.
15-0
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 2-2
9:19pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:19pm | Report comment
A lucky let cord helps Nadal win the game and break back.
Nadal 6-4 6-3 2-6 2-2
9:18pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:18pm | Report comment
It was always going to be interesting to see how Djokovic started today after his poor start yesterday.
It’s been long rally after long rally on the restart.
Djokovic got himself into good positions during the 30-30 point… but then nets it.
Break point Rafa…
9:15pm
TheSportsFreak said | 9:15pm | Report comment
Play is back underway at Roland Garros. Cloudy conditions for part deux.
Djokovic with a ripping finish to yesterday’s play, winning 8 straight games on his way to the third set and getting right back into the contest.
Djokovic 4-6 3-6 6-2 2-1