Rafael Nadal Defeats Novak Djokovic in French Open Quarterfinal
Nadal advances to semifinals for record 15th time
Djokovic's title defense ends in four sets
Rafael Nadal overcame a grueling match with Novak Djokovic to reach the semifinal round of the French Open for the 15th time in his career. Nadal, the No. 5 seed, ended the title defense of top-seeded Djokovic with a four-set quarterfinal victory on Tuesday night. The match lasted over four hours and was filled with intense rallies and dramatic moments.
Nadal won the first set in a tiebreaker, but Djokovic stormed back to take the second set 6-2. Nadal regained control of the match in the third set, winning 6-1, and then held on to win the fourth set 6-4. The victory was Nadal's 29th in a row at Roland Garros, and it sets up a semifinal matchup with No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic's loss marked the end of his bid for a third consecutive French Open title. He had won the past two tournaments at Roland Garros, and he was looking to become the first man to win four consecutive French Open titles since Bjorn Borg in 1978-81.
Nadal's victory was a major upset, as Djokovic had been the heavy favorite to win the tournament. Nadal is now one win away from reaching his 14th French Open final. He will face Zverev in the semifinals on Friday.
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