Defending champion Novak Djokovic is set to face the ‘King of Clay’, Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros
Defending champion Novak Djokovic is chasing his 21st Grand Slam in Paris. In the first round, he defeated Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3, 6-1, 6-0 and followed it up with another straight-set win against Slovenia’s Alex Molcan.
In the third round, the World No.1 defeated Alijaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 after which he went on to seal another comprehensive victory against 15th seed Daniel Schwartzman in the next round.
Novak Djokovic is yet to drop a set so far in the tournament and looks in sublime touch.
Rafael Nadal suffered a hiccup in his last match against 9th seed Felix Auger- Aliassime but managed to do enough to get through to the last eight of the Roland Garros. The Spaniard won the marathon five-set match – 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, coming back from one set down.
Earlier in the third round, Nadal got the better of van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The Spaniard stormed into the third round of the French Open after defeating France’s Corentin Moutet in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. He previously defeated Australia’s Jordan Thompson in the first round.
Nadal is aiming for a record 22nd Grand Slam in Paris and the upcoming match against Djokovic is undoubtedly going to be his toughest hurdle so far in the tournament.
| Date | Wednesday, 1st June |
| Court type | Outdoor clay court |
| Watch | Sony Network and Sony LIV |
| Start time | 12:15 am IST |
| Venue | Philippe-Chatrier |
| Match details | Quarter-Final |
Djokovic and Nadal are seasoned campaigners and icons of the game. They have met each other 58 times in the past on the ATP tour. The Serbian has a slight advantage head to head, leading 30-28. Their last meeting came in the semis of the Roland Garros in 2021 – Novak Djokovic emerged victorious in four sets.
It is very difficult to separate the players in terms of form, rankings or potential. We are predicting an intense and thrilling encounter with Djokovic just edging out Nadal in five sets.
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