In one of the greatest upsets in recent years, Novak Djokovic ousted Rafael Nadal to inflict the first defeat even on clay court on the champion. Djokovic won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.
He will now meet Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the French Open 2021 for a shot at a rare piece of achievement. Djokovic could be the first man in half a century to win all the four grand slams at least twice.
And with Nadal’s defeat ended one of the greatest streaks in tennis history. The King of Clay lost a chance to win his 21st Grand Slam. It would have been a record.
Djokovic’s Greatest Career Win At The French Open 2021
It was one of his greatest wins at the French Open 2021, but it did not begin that way. Rafel Nadal was 5-0 up in the first set. But Djokovic gradually steadied his game. He lost the first set, but he signaled his intentions to fight it out.
A Good Use Of The Angles
Djokovic got an early breakthrough in the next set. He judiciously used the forehand to good effect, especially the cross courts. He dragged Nadal and forced him into errors.
The Third Proved Decisive
It was a brawl in the center court in the 3rd set. In one of their best games, Djokovic pulled to a 5-3 lead. But Nadal came back and held set point, but an excellent drop-shot by the challenger turned the tide. Djokovic prevailed 7-4. It was 1 hour 33 minutes of grueling and brilliant tennis.
It was Djokovic’s serve that made the difference in the end. It was impossible to break his serve and Nadal had almost given up in the final set as he looked cramped and tired.
Spectators at the French Open 2021 were allowed to witness the full match despite the night curfew. The play had been halted to escort spectators out in the quarter-finals between Djokovic and Berrettini. Djokovic had just won the third set. Fans were thrilled and thanked President Macron.