There is a real match in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2022. The two favorites to win the trophy, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, will face each other in this stage and the champion of the tournament could come out of this match. The winner of this series will face Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev.
Rafael Nadal arrived at the French Open apparently in a delicate condition, as he was eliminated from the Masters of Rome in the round of 16 after losing 2-1 to Denis Shapovalov. However, this is his favorite competition, which he has won thirteen times, and at 35 years old he knows that this could be his last chance to win it.
Félix Auger-Aliassime is the third player to take Rafael Nadal to a fifth set in Roland Garros. Photo: AFP
This Sunday, May 29, Rafa faced Félix Auger-Aliassime, the world number nine in the ATP rankings, who eliminated Juan Pablo Varillas in the first round of Roland Garros. The Spaniard struggled to defeat the Canadian and for the third time in his career he had to play five sets to win against his opponent in this competition. In the end, Nadal prevailed 3-2 with scores of (3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, and 6-3).
YOU CAN SEE: Rafael Nadal prior to the match against Djokovic: "It could be my last one at Roland Garros"
Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, played earlier against the Argentine Diego Schwartzman and took the victory with a comfortable 3-0 (6-1, 6-3, and 6-3). The "Peque" never managed to turn the tide against the Serbian player, who arrives at Roland Garros after winning the Italian Open for the sixth time in his career.
Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of Roland Garros 2021 and was crowned champion of that edition. Photo: AFP
This encounter between Nadal and Djokovic has a taste of revenge, as Nole is the defending champion of Roland Garros. In 2021, he eliminated the Mallorcan in the semifinals and in the final he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-2. Since then, these two legendary players have not faced each other again. The match is on Tuesday, May 31, 354 days after that game.
Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic: match details
| Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic | Roland Garros 2022 |
|---|---|
| When do they play? | Tuesday, May 31 |
| Where? | Court Philippe Chatrier, Paris |
| What time? | 1:45 p.m. (Peruvian time) |
| On what channel? | ESPN 2 and Star Plus |