French Open final will be Rafael Nadal's 10th Grand Slam title clash since turning 30, equalling Novak Djokovic's record
Rafael Nadal advanced to the final of the French Open for the 14th time in his career, after an injury forced Alexander Zverev to concede their closely-fought semifinal clash on Friday.
Nadal took the first set 7-6(8) and the second set was heading towards another tie-break when the 25-year-old German turned his ankle and had to be taken off in a wheelchair.
In the process, the Spaniard moved into his 10th Slam final since turning 30, equalling arch-rival Novak Djokovic's record.
Roger Federer, who has been out of action since Wimbledon last year, is close behind with eight, the same number as Australian tennis legend Ken Rosewall.
Tenistas con más presencias en finales de Grand Slam a partir de los 30 años (Open Era/Men’s Singles):
Novak Djokovic | 10
RAFA NADAL | 10
Ken Rosewall | 8
Roger Federer | 8📊 Tenistas con más presencias en finales de Grand Slam a partir de los 30 años (Open Era/Men’s Singles):
🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic | 10
🇪🇸 RAFA NADAL | 10
🇦🇺 Ken Rosewall | 8
🇨🇭 Roger Federer | 8
From 2017 Australian Open to 2022 French Open - Rafael Nadal's 10 Grand Slam finals since turning 30
Rafael Nadal's first appearance in a Grand Slam final after crossing the age of 30 came at the 2017 Australian Open, where he lost to Roger Federer 6–4, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3.
The Spaniard then made it to the final at Roland Garros, where he got the better of Stan Wawrinka 6–2, 6–3, 6–1 to win his 11th French Open title. He continued his incredible run that year by taking the 2017 US Open title with a 6–3, 6–3, 6–4 defeat of Kevin Anderson.
Rafael Nadal's only Grand Slam final appearance in 2018 was at Roland Garros, where he defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets.
After losing the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic in 2019, the Spanish legend emerged victorious at the French Open and the US Open that year.
Further success awaited the Mallorcan at the 2020 French Open, where he handed Novak Djokovic a bagel en route to a memorable 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 win.
4 years ago Casper Ruud joined the Rafa Nadal Academy at age 19. Safe to say he's come a long way! https://t.co/keQYwNQLVo
The Serb was forced to miss the Australian Open earlier this year and Nadal took full advantage of his absence to win a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Rafael Nadal will now look to seal his 14th French Open title when he takes on Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday.