French Open: Djokovic hails 'champion' Nadal but 'not surprised' by injury recovery

Novak Djokovic hailed Rafael Nadal as a "great champion" after losing an epic late-night French Open quarter-final, but added he was "not surprised" by his rival's recovery from a debilitating injury. Nadal, the 13-time champion at Roland Garros, clinched a memorable 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) victory to reach his 15th semi-final at the tournament. For world number one Djokovic, defeat was his eighth in 10 meetings with Nadal at the French Open. "He was the better player in the important moments," said Djokovic. "He showed why he's a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it."

Read AlsoRafael Nadal downs Novak Djokovic in late-night epic to reach 15th French Open semi-final

Talks of an end to Rafael Nadal's reign proved premature once again as the claycourt king stayed on course for a record-extending men's 22nd Grand Slam title by beating arch rival Novak Djokovic 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) in a vintage French Open quarter-final clash on Tuesday.

Djokovic had the chance to take the match to a decider after he built a 5-2 lead in the fourth set. However, Nadal, who turns 36 on Friday when he faces Alexander Zverev for a place in the final, clawed his way back to save two set points and then dominate the tiebreak. The Spanish star had arrived in Paris unsure of his chances after a chronic foot injury, which has plagued him throughout his career, resurfaced in Rome last month. Nadal had even hinted that defeat to Djokovic could signal the end of his Roland Garros career.

"I didn't see any problems," said Djokovic. "It's not the first time that he is able to -- a few days after he's injured and barely walking -- to come out 100%