Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic in quarterfinal thriller at French Open

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Rafael Nadal continued his clay-court dominance as he defeated Novak Djokovic to win their highly-anticipated quarterfinal match at the French Open on Tuesday. 

In the back and forth match that felt like a tournament final, Nadal outlasted Djokovic in four sets to advance to the semifinals at Roland Garros. Nadal won the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).

The match was the 59th time both players competed against each other, the most in the professional era of tennis between two men. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, congratulates Spain's Rafael Nadal who won the quarterfinal match in four sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, Wednesday, June 1, 2022.  (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

"To win against Novak, there is only one way — to play at your best from the first point to the last," Nadal said. "Tonight has been one of those magic nights for me."

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The Spaniard entered the match having to play for about four hours and 30 minutes in a five-setter against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. He also voiced his concerns about having to play the match at night. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic entered the match having not dropped a set at this year's French Open, but that changed quickly against Nadal, who won the first set 6-2. 

Nadal would go up 3-0 in the second set before Djokovic stormed back, breaking him twice to even the score at 3-3. Djokovic would break Nadal again to win the set 6-4. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic tries to return the ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal during their quarterfinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at