Rafael Nadal suffered his second defeat at the French Open on Wednesday as world number one Novak Djokovic won the quarter-final match 7-5 6-3 6-1. Before that match Nadal had lost just one match out of 71 at Roland Garros, against Robin Soderling in 2009. "I lost in 2009 and it was not the end," said Nadal. "I lost in 2015 and it's not the end. I hope to be back here the next year with another chance."
Nadal turned 29 on Wednesday but it wasn't the happiest of birthdays as Djokovic dominated the match and deservedly pulled through to the semi-finals. "It's not a big surprise, no, after a year that I didn't win enough before here," added Nadal. The Spaniard has won just one title, in Buenos Aires, since claiming his ninth French Open title last June. "It was something that could happen. When you see the draw, quarter-finals against Novak, obviously that is early for a big match like that. I was playing fine. I am happy the way that I recovered my level the last month, but probably not enough yet to play against and to win against Novak. To play, yes. I competed, but not to win."
Nadal could have become the first player in the Open era, and the second ever, to win one of the Grand Slam singles titles 10 times. "I don't like to talk about dynasty or these kind of things," the Spaniard said. "I have been very successful here for nine years out of 11. I lost twice. Everybody loses in every place. I lost not many times here, and that day arrived today. Again, I accept it like I always accept the defeats, and there is only one sure thing: I want to work harder even than before to come back stronger."
Semi-finals will be played on Friday, here are the current outright Roland Garros odds at Bet365:
Novak Djokovic - 1.30 Stan Wawrinka - 6.00 Andy Murray - 8.00 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - 21.00
sharpe
8 years ago
It was so exiting final today on Roland Garros today that I'm so inpatient for Wimbledon to start. I'm sure that Rafa, Federer, Murray and all the top players will be ready for the grass and the tournament will be amazing. Djokovich and Wawrinka who were exceptional today will be amongst the top favorites in England too....
It was so exiting final today on Roland Garros today that I'm so inpatient for Wimbledon to start. I'm sure that Rafa, Federer, Murray and all the top players will be ready for the grass and the tournament will be amazing. Djokovich and Wawrinka who were exceptional today will be amongst the top favorites in England too. Hopefully Nole will be able to take his revenge there.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Rafa must turn to Wimbledon. He has enough time to practice hard and prepare body and mind for the greatest challenge in tennis. He only needs one tournament to get back in the game,who knows,he might get back on the surface he dont like a lot. Wimbledon can be a big inspiration for him....
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timidi 8 years ago
I was watching this match and in every moment of the match it was clear that Novak Djokovic is in better shape now and he was so dominant and better than Nadal that result 3-0 is fair. I am not big fan of Djokovic but right now I think that he is the best player on the world and we must give respect for that what he doing...
I was watching this match and in every moment of the match it was clear that Novak Djokovic is in better shape now and he was so dominant and better than Nadal that result 3-0 is fair. I am not big fan of Djokovic but right now I think that he is the best player on the world and we must give respect for that what he doing this year.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Novak showed to everyone that he is number one at the moment. With this win,there is no doubt about that.Rafa is big champion,I am sure that he will get back next year stronger than ever,but in this moment there was no chance for him to eliminate Novak Djokovic. Rafa simply aint no player he was few yars ago.
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rikimartin4444_115925
8 years ago
I expected Djokovic to win in straight sets. Djokovic is in better form in last months and Nadal is recovering his play after injury. Nadal lost only two times at Roland Garros and that is amazing. He will fighting hard to back to form and to win trophy next year. I don't think he will success with Djokovic against him....
I expected Djokovic to win in straight sets. Djokovic is in better form in last months and Nadal is recovering his play after injury. Nadal lost only two times at Roland Garros and that is amazing. He will fighting hard to back to form and to win trophy next year. I don't think he will success with Djokovic against him.
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sharpe
8 years ago
He is just not at his best at the moment but without a doubt in the future he will be one of the contenders every time he participate at Roland Garros. He is just the best clay court player ever and the results prove that so we can't afford to think that he is not going to be the contender in future. I'm not his fan but...
He is just not at his best at the moment but without a doubt in the future he will be one of the contenders every time he participate at Roland Garros. He is just the best clay court player ever and the results prove that so we can't afford to think that he is not going to be the contender in future. I'm not his fan but think that his going to win this tournament at least one more time.
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h34dhunt3r
8 years ago
Rafael Nadal isn't player like he used to be. Mostly because he overextended himself and damaged his knees and legs forever. Also, there are rumors that he used unapproved stuff. After Viktor Troicki got banned for more then a year for using supstances that are not allowed, Rafa instantly announced his injury. It smells...
Rafael Nadal isn't player like he used to be. Mostly because he overextended himself and damaged his knees and legs forever. Also, there are rumors that he used unapproved stuff. After Viktor Troicki got banned for more then a year for using supstances that are not allowed, Rafa instantly announced his injury. It smells suspicious, but I'm trying to think that tennis is clear sport and I'll keep it that way.
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seculla
8 years ago
I must admit that I've expected Novak Djokovic to beat Rafael Nadal, but I've never tough that it will be that easy. Novak started the match with winning 4 consecutive gems but Nadal managed to tie the first set at 4:4. Anyway, he lost that set on tie break. After that second and third set was very easier that I though...
I must admit that I've expected Novak Djokovic to beat Rafael Nadal, but I've never tough that it will be that easy. Novak started the match with winning 4 consecutive gems but Nadal managed to tie the first set at 4:4. Anyway, he lost that set on tie break. After that second and third set was very easier that I though that they will be and Novak proved again that he is the best in ATP at the moment.
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