French Open 2022: 'It was difficult' - Rafael Nadal digs in to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime and set up Novak Djokovic test

Rafael Nadal came through his first test of the French Open to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-6 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 and set up a quarter-final clash with Novak Djokovic. After brushing aside Botic van de Zandschulp, Nadal found himself second best early on and lost his first set of the tournament. Ad/> He weathered a storm in the second before going through the gears and taking charge, only for Auger-Aliassime to battle back and force the Spanish great to win in five sets.

/> Roland-Garros'Spectacular!' — Nadal breaks with miraculous defence against Auger-Aliassime2 HOURS AGO “It has been an important victory for me, without a doubt,” Nadal said. “I did not start the match well. It was a tough first set for me.

«After coming back, I finished the third playing well and then the fourth was tough. “It was difficult, he has a huge serve. He puts you under pressure and I was not able to push him back “I had to do something different at the end of the match.

I am happy about the attitude at the end as I played more aggressive and went more to the net and that made a difference.” Nadal paid tribute to Auger-Aliassime, as he said: “He did a lot of things well. He has been improving every year. I wish him all the best, he is a great guy.” Commenting on the clash with Djokovic, Nadal said: “We know each other well and have a lot of history.

“We are in Roland-Garros, it is my favourite place and I will be focused. “I will try my best as always, I do not know what will happen, but I can guarantee and I will fight until the end.” Whether Nadal was jaded after watching Real Madrid win the Champions League on Saturday evening, we may never know. But he made a slow start.