World No 1 Novak Djokovic will face arch-rival Rafael Nadal for the 59th time in his career when the two lock horns in the quarterfinal on French Open 2022 on Tuesday. 

Djokovic leads the head-to-head 30-28, but Rafael Nadal leads their matchups on clay 19-8 and at Roland Garros 7-2. The Serb beat Nadal in the semifinals in Paris a year ago, and the Spaniard beat Djokovic in the final two years ago.

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Novak Djokovic came to the Roland Garros after ending his 2022 title drought in Italy. The 34-year-old was deported from Australia over his COVID vaccination status. He then lost in Dubai, Monte-Carlo, Serbia and Madrid. He has not dropped a set through four round. Nadal,on the other hand, was pushed to five sets over nearly 4 1/2 hours in his previous match. 

Rafael Nadal defeated 21-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. The 35-year-old arrived at Paris unsure if he would be able to take part in the Roland Garros after suffering a recurrence of a chronic foot injury. 

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“I know my situation, and I accept it. 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,” the Spaniard said. 

After taking a beating by Djokovic in the 2021 semi-finals at the French Open last year, Nadal skipped Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open. He, after winning in Australia this year, has a record 21 Grand Slams against his name. Roger Federer and Djokovic have 20 each. 

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“Playing Nadal in Roland Garros is always a physical battle,” Djokovic said ahead of the blockbuster game. He won the bid for match scheduling and the quarterfinal will be held at night under the Court Philippe Chatrier lights. 

“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,” Nadal said. The Spaniard’s coach added,” “I wouldn’t say disrespect, but here at Roland Garros, Rafa has credit. He has won the tournament 13 times, and if he has a request, you should listen to him.”