"I will never stop being surprised at their level, these are very special matches between these two" - Amelie Mauresmo hails quality of Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic QF
Rafael Nadal produced one of the greatest performances of his career on Tuesday against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the French Open. Playing yet another gruelling Grand Slam match, the duo traded blows for over four hours, with Nadal winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Rafael Nadal faces Alexander Zverev in the semifinals on Friday. The German beat Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in an exquisite performance to notch his first top-10 win in a Grand Slam.
Speaking about the match that unfolded last night, French Open director and former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo praised the level of tennis displayed by Nadal and Djokovic.
"Well, you know, I will never stop being surprised at their level. These are very special matches between these two. And the way Rafa got out there and the way he started off the match was absolutely incredible," Mauresmo said.
The Spaniard took the first set 6-2 after some scintillating tennis, hitting 12 winners and making only six unforced errors. The two-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about Djokovic's improbable comeback and the change in tactics by the Serb to get back in the second set.
"Novak's reaction, you know, when he was 3-Love down in the second set, and then Rafa, you know, had a hard time probably physically, and then Novak got back to the baseline and started hitting the ball as hard as he could. But in terms of tennis, it was incredible," Mauresmo continued.
Rafael Nadal seemingly carried the momentum into the second set. Djokovic was down two breaks at 3-0 before he started playing more aggressively and hammering winners. He went on to win the second set 6-4, hitting 18 winners and 15 unforced errors.
The fifth seed hit back immediately, taking the third set 6-2. However, he was on the backfoot for much of the fourth set as Novak Djokovic raced to a 5-2 lead and nearly took the match to a decider. However, Nadal clawed his way back, forcing a tie-break which he won 7-4.
🤩 What a set! What a comeback! 🤩
🤔 Is 14 next for @RafaelNadal ?
#RolandGarros https://t.co/0Wa4mjZoau
"Also tactically and mentally they know that it's going to be tough" - Mauresmo praises Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's mentality
In the press conference, Amelie Mauresmo also spoke highly of the mental disposition of the two champions. Mauresmo referred to how every match between the two turns out to be a physical and mental battle.
"Also tactically and mentally they know that it's going to be tough, that it's going to be tough physically, tactically between the two. So as anyone, I was really impressed by what happened last night," Mauresmo said.