Rafael Nadal - players.bio

Twitter Bows Down As "King Of Clay" Rafael Nadal Trumps Novak Djokovic In French Open Classic

Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic in a four-set thriller on Wednesday to stay on course for a 14th French Open title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam triumph. Nadal overcame the World No.1 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) in a gruelling quarter-final clash that lasted over four hours at Court Philippe Chatrier to avenge his defeat to Djokovic in the Roland Garros semi-final last year. Memories of that match must have come back to him when Djokovic came back from two breaks down to win four games on the trot and eventually take the second set after Nadal led 0-3 at one point. However, the veteran Spaniard came back strong to win the next two sets and keep up his incredible record in the tournament.

Birthday boy Rafael Nadal eyes 14th French Open final despite future fears

Rafael Nadal looks to celebrate his 36th birthday on Friday by reaching a 14th French Open final which by his own admission could be the last of his record-breaking career. Nadal, the 13-time champion, faces Germany's Alexander Zverev but is clear his chronic, long-term foot injury has put him on borrowed time. "The last three months and a half for me, the only thing that I can say is haven't been easy," said the Spaniard after his epic four-set win over old rival Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Ruud reaches first Grand Slam semi-final at French Open

Casper Ruud became the first Norwegian man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final on Wednesday when he defeated Danish teenager Holger Rune in four sets at the French Open.

French Open: Marin Cilic hails 'fantastic achievement' as he joins 'Big Four' with Slam mark

Marin Cilic said it was a "great achievement" as he joined Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray in becoming only the fifth active player to make the semi-finals at all four Slams. Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, fired 33 aces past seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev to reach his first French Open semi-final on Wednesday with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (10/2) win. He also crashed 88 winners in the four-hour 10-minute tie and will play either eighth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway or Danish teenager Holger Rune for a place in Sunday's final. "Absolutely fantastic achievement for me. To be mentioned among them," said 33-year-old Cilic. "I'm feeling great on the court, enjoying myself, being me, playing my own game. It's paying off, and I am enjoying the run." Rublev, playing in his fifth quarter-final at the majors, grabbed the first set but wilted under a Cilic barrage over the next two.

Rafael Nadal prompts bold claim from John McEnroe after 'extraordinary' Djokovic victory

Rafael Nadal's four-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-final has prompted John McEnroe to claim that the Spaniard is playing at his best-ever level while on the brink of his 36th birthday. The world No 5 will face Alexander Zverev on Friday as he celebrates his birthday and the retired American admitted he couldn't bet against him.

Novak Djokovic sends frank injury message to rival Rafa Nadal after French Open heartbreak

Novak Djokovic has slammed Rafael Nadal's injury comments after losing to his long-time rival in the French Open quarter-final. The 13-time champion has been suffering with a chronic foot injury that left him questioning whether he could even compete in Paris but the world No 1 issued Nadal with a frank message admitting he saw no physical issues in their match.

Nadal wins four-set clash with Djokovic to make French Open semis

The 13-time Roland Garros champion, beaten by the world number one in the semi-finals here last year, arrived in Paris on the back of two injuries that had hampered his preparations.

Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud reach French Open semi-finals for the first time

Casper Ruud moved into the French Open semi-finals for the first time on Wednesday courtesy of two big-hitting displays which overwhelmed their opponents. Cilic fired 33 aces and 88 winners past seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev in a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (10/2) win. Eighth seed Ruud booked a clash against the 33-year-old Croat when he became the first Norwegian man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 victory over Danish teenager Holger Rune. Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, needed four hours and 10 minutes to defeat Rublev who has now lost all of his five quarter-final appearances at the Slams. The 20th seeded Cilic becomes only the fifth active men's player after Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray to make the semi-finals at all four majors.

Contacts

Rafael Nadal Sport News

Twitter Bows Down As "King Of Clay" Rafael Nadal Trumps Novak Djokovic In French Open Classic

Birthday boy Rafael Nadal eyes 14th French Open final despite future fears

Ruud reaches first Grand Slam semi-final at French Open

French Open: Marin Cilic hails 'fantastic achievement' as he joins 'Big Four' with Slam mark

Rafael Nadal prompts bold claim from John McEnroe after 'extraordinary' Djokovic victory

Novak Djokovic sends frank injury message to rival Rafa Nadal after French Open heartbreak

Nadal wins four-set clash with Djokovic to make French Open semis

Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud reach French Open semi-finals for the first time