Nearing 12.30 AM. Based on how things are going, we’re going to be here for at least an hour. The players are going to have to do press, cool downs and dinner after this. No way are they getting in bed before 5 AM
Impressive scheduling of the Rafa Novak epic. 845pm start time for a best of 5 set match involving two of the three greatest players ever to pick up a racket ? Oh tennis stop doing it to yourself ?
Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 3-0 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
Djokovic holds to love. Dispatches a short serve return for a volley winner and he’s off to a 3-0 lead. Looks like we’re going the distance!
Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 2-0 Nadal (* denotes next server)
Djokovic puts Nadal under pressure with deep groundstrokes and has a break point opportunity. Nadal pushed side to side and then goes for a gorgeous, surprise drop shot that no one saw coming. But on deeper look, it is wide. BREAK!
Djokovic really upset after net had his shot sit up nicely for Nadal to get into the point
(?@eurosport) pic.twitter.com/ixOm9gSrgt
Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
SET 1: Djokovic serves first, broken
SET 2: Djokovic serves first, broken
SET 3: Djokovic serves first, broken
SET 4: Djokovic serves first, holds
Nadal in command
Nadal when leading 2-1 in sets at Roland Garros: 20-0.
Only twice has he gone to five in those situations — vs. Djokovic in 2013 (9-7 in the 5th, the famous net touch) and…two days ago vs. Auger-Aliassime.
Third set: Rafael Nadal 6-2
Nadal takes the third set 6-2 in 40 minutes and is two sets to one in this quarter-final. Djokovic with a wild forehand that goes well wide and the 13-time champion has turned things around from an errant end to the second set
Djokovic 2-6, 6-4, 1-4 *Nadal (* denotes next server)
Double break now Rafael Nadal! This set going very much like the first except the rally length has reduced. Djokovic has all to do now. Meanwhile, Nadal gets newly strung racquets out as the temperature starts to drop and the conditions become cooler. Looser tension in those strings to help there is good amount of zip on the shots
Djokovic* 2-6, 6-4, 1-3 Nadal (* denotes next server)
Nadal comes through another lengthy game. Saves a break point and maintains his break advantage in the third set as Djokovic misses a drop shot down game point
Two hours and 40 minutes played in this evening match. It is 15 minutes to midnight in Paris.
If this goes five, Nadal/Djokovic may start after 9p…if they plau the usual 3:30-hour match at it’s 1a. Media, cool-down, and it’s a 4a bedtime…love the first @rolandgarros Sunday session. But the night session is a cash grab that materially disadvantages the best players….