It’s the match we’ve all been waiting for. The world number one Novak Djokovic against the best man on clay in the last ten years, Rafael Nadal, in the quarter finals of the French Open.
Join The Roar for live scores and a call of the match from around 11:00pm AEST.
For the second time this year, and the 44th time overall, Novak Djokovic takes on Rafael Nadal.
It is the biggest rivalry in tennis in the open era and the ninth highest in terms of matches played between two players.
This match is worthy of a final but unfortunately for everyone these two will battle at the quarter final stage.
This is due to Nadal’s form over the last 12 months, which has not been great.
He has now slipped to seventh in the world and will fall outside of the top ten for the first time since 2005 if he loses tonight.
Head to head, Nadal leads the ledger 23-20, but Djokovic has closed the gap in the last few years.
In the first 18 matches, Nadal led 14-4, before Djokovic won 16 of the last 25 contests.
Since the US Open in 2013 Djokovic has won five of the last six
The only loss came here at the French Open last year.
In six meetings at Roland Garros, between the two, Nadal is undefeated. This has included the final in 2012, and last year, with Nadal winning both matches in four sets.
Nadal has stopped Djokovic from winning at the final Grand Slam he hasn’t conquered. Nadal though, who is on a 39 match unbeaten run here, has stopped everyone except for Robon Soderling who is the only player to defeat him here.
You feel that tonight is the best chance for Djokovic with the form both players are in.
While Nadal has only lost one set to this round of the Grand Slam, he has struggled at times during the event.
He just isn’t playing like he did a few years ago.
In comparison Djokovic has been in brilliant form and has not lost a set all tournament. He has also only lost 36 games during the event in four matches. That’s staggering at a Grand Slam event.
Based on form this looks to be a Djokovic win. He defeated Nadal earlier this year, in Monte Carlo, and is currently on a 27 game unbeaten run.
Matches though aren’t won on form and the mental game might undo his good results.
He has never beaten Nadal here and has never won the event.
Those things play on people’s minds when they are heading into unknown territory. Vice versa the form might help Nadal and he can gain plenty of confidence from it.
This promises to be a fascinating match. Djokovic’s counter punching against the brute power of Nadal.
The serve will also be pivotal. Nadal needs to serve well and match Djokovic in that area to win tonight.
I honestly can’t split them. There is still magic in Nadal at this place but Djokovic has been playing like a brick wall. No one can get through him at the moment.
I can see that happening again and Djokovic to prevail in a classic.
PREDICTION – Djokovic 3-2.
anvi
Guest
Wohoo! Djokovic rocks!! Who do you presume will win?
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
That is where I end the blog tonight. This should be an amazing match but I need to get some shut eye. Full scores are above and highlights will be available in the morning. Bye for now.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Nadal saves a 5th but can't save a 6th. Djokovic wins the set after a wide volley from Nadal. He takes the first set 7-5. DJOKOVIC 7 NADAL 5
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Set point number 5 for Djokovic.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
A smash just goes over from Nadal. Deuce.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Djokovic wins two of the next three points. He has a 4th set point.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
This is unbelievable tennis. Just a shame it is on at 12:48am in the morning here in Australia. Nadal wins a point after amazing defence.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Djokovic holds to 15 and the pressure is put on Nadal again. 6-5 to the Serbian. DJOKOVIC 6 NADAL 5
anvi
Guest
Are you watching it live??
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
A big first serve from Nadal. He holds and levels at 5-5.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Nadal has a game point. Adv. Nadal.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Oh this is wonderful tennis. Another long rally between the two and Nadal plays a great drop shot. Djokovic is able to hit it but he can't get it over the net. Deuce again.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Djokovic hits a forehand winner and sets up set point number 3.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
This first set has gone for 52 minutes so far.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Nadal hits back with a drop shot of his own. It is a good one and beats Djokovic. Set point number 2 is saved.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Brilliant from Djokovic. He runs Nadal around the court and gets the mistake out of him. Set point number 2.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
A netted shot from Nadal brings the game back to deuce. Deuce.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Nadal gets a good first serve in and attacks the point. He forces and error from Djokovic and the set point is saved.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Djokovic comes to the net and volleys a backhand from Nadal for a winner. He has a set point.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Chance for Djokovic here. After trading blows on each others forehand, a backhand from Nadal goes into the net. 30-30.