Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic locked horns for the 58th time in their career in Friday’s French Open semi-final. World No 1 Djokovic triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, handing Nadal his third defeat in the history of the tournament. 

Here is a quick set by set recap: 

Set 1:

Nadal was rampant in the first set. He won the first five games. Djokovic provided some resistance in the following three games, winning a break and two services. But it was too little too late for the Serbian in set 1. Nadal won the set 6-3 as the clock ticked the one-hour mark. 

Also read: Can’t take my eyes off: Fans in ecstasy as Nadal, Djokovic put up an epic show

Set 2:

There was an exchange of service breaks early in the second set. But Djokovic broke again in the sixth set to restore a two-game cushion. In the following games, neither player dropped serves, and eventually, the world number one took the second set by a scoreline of 6-3.

Set 3:

Djokovic won the third set in a tie-breaker after an hour and 32 minutes. In what was a roller-coaster of a set, Djokovic broke twice but Nadal broke back as many times. Djokovic held the nerve in the tie-breaker to win it by 7-4

Also read: Stefanos Tsitsipas becomes first Greek to reach Grand Slam final at French Open

Set 4:

The fourth set saw Djokovic come from 0-2 to seal the match 6-2 and book a berth in the French Open final.

The game lasted for four hours and 11 minutes.

Who said what:

Following his victory, Djokovic said, “It was a privilege to face Rafa in such an incredible match. Tonight it was my greatest ever match in Paris.”

Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, shrugged off his loss insisting “life goes on.”

“I am sad to have lost in the most important tournament of the year for me, but life goes on, it is nothing more than a defeat on a tennis court,” said Nadal.

Also read: Embiid scores 27 as Philadelphia 76ers roll over Atlanta Hawks in game three

“If everything goes well, tomorrow I will be at home with my family and friends, and then we will see what is next. Next year I will come again, God willing, with the belief and with the necessary work to be able to give myself another chance,” the 13-time French Open champion added.

Djokovic will play Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final in what will be his 29th championship match at the Slams.