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Contrasting matches for Djokovic and Nadal – day eight at the French Open

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had contrasting matches but still set up their hotly-anticipated quarter-final meeting.

Dark ages at French Open as Alcaraz says ‘unfair’ if last-eight tie at night

PARIS: Carlos Alcaraz claimed Sunday that it would “not be fair” if he has to play his French Open quarter-final on Tuesday night with Rafael Nadal pushing for a daytime slot for his blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz has already played two night sessions at this year’s Roland Garros and could face a third when he tackles Alexander Zverev for a place in the semifinals. Nadal, who has made no secret of his dislike of playing clay court tennis after dark, and Djokovic have played just one night match apiece.

Nadal to face Djokovic in French Open quarter-final, Swiatek goes against rising Chinese star

PARIS: Rafael Nadal set up a blockbuster French Open quarter-final against world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday when he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set fourth round epic. Nadal, the 13-time champion at Roland Garros and holder of a record 21 Grand Slam titles, triumphed over the Canadian 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a match which lasted four hours and 21 minutes. It was only the third time in his 17-year, 111-match career in Paris that Nadal had been stretched to five sets. Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall in a rivalry stretching back to 2006. “We know each other well, we have a lot of history. The only thing I can say is that I will be focussed, try my best and fight until the end,” said Nadal of renewing his rivalry with the defending champion on Tuesday. Nadal hailed Auger-Aliassime who has been working with his uncle and former coach Toni since April last year. “Felix is a great player, one of the best in the world. He’s very young with a lot of power and great mobility,” said the 35-year-old Spaniard. “He was a very tough opponent for me, he is doing a lot of things well and has improved every year.