‘Oh dear’ – Blow for Rafael Nadal as French Open showdown with Novak Djokovic confirmed as night match

Rafael Nadal’s hopes of winning a record-extending 14th French Open title have suffered a big blow after his quarter-final with Novak Djokovic was confirmed as Tuesday’s night match. Nadal has made no secret about preferring to play in the daytime, while Djokovic suggested that he and the Spaniard “might make totally different requests” to organisers.

Ad/> The Roland-Garros committee were always going to upset someone with their scheduling, with teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz also pleading for an afternoon slot after back-to-back night matches – saying a third on the spin would be “unfair”. Roland-Garros'Witnessing history' — Why Nadal fans must cherish every point amid retirement talkAN HOUR AGO Alex Corretja believes the decision will favour Djokovic as he reacted with shock on Eurosport’s coverage on Monday.

“Oh dear! We will have time to talk about [the conditions],” began Corretja. “Of course Rafa’s game is not as effective because usually he likes to hit the ball with a lot of spin, meaning that the ball will go very high.

“But if he plays at night, the ball might bounce a little bit lower, and for Novak’s game, [that is] better. “Obviously the conditions are the same for everyone, but it depends on your game.

It can suit your game more or less, and that’s why for Rafa’s game, it is always better when it’s sunny.” Alcaraz's quarter-final with Zverev follows Leylah Fernandez's clash with Martina Trevisan and Coco Gauff's all-American match with Sloane Stephens in the afternoon session on Tuesday. /> 'Witnessing history' — Why Nadal fans must cherish every point amid retirement talk 'He is a great guy' — Nadal with classy gesture as Auger-Aliassime leaves court ‘That is my situation now’ – Nadal admits each match