French Open 2021 Semi Finals Highlights: World No.1 Novak Djokovic defeated 13-time and defending champion Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 to book a berth in the final, where he will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas.
French Open 2021 Semi Finals Live Updates: Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal.
French Open 2021 Semi Finals Highlights: World No.1 Novak Djokovic defeated 13-time and defending champion Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 to book a berth in the final, where he will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas. After losing the first set 3-6, Djokovic showed immense skill, talent, and mental strength to win the next three sets on the trot.
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Jun 12, 2021, 03:09:37 IST
THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT
Thank you so much for joining us in this marathon clash. Considering Nadal's domination, one could never imagine that there will come a time when he will leave the court without giving an on-court interview. But it has arrived and rightfully so at the hands of world No.1 Novak Djokovic, who has shattered multiple records. He will meet Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:57:03 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-6 DJOKOVIC
NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS RAFAEL NADAL 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 TO REACH THE FRENCH OPEN 2021 FINAL
Jun 12, 2021, 02:51:37 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-5 DJOKOVIC
15-0: Unforced error from Nadal as the ball rams into the net.
15-15: Nadal's vicious forehand down the line is too good for Djokovic this time.
30-15: Backhand cross court from Nadal is overcooked.
30-30: Double fault from Djokovic, third of this match so far.
40-30: Game point for Novak.
NOVAK WINS THE GAME, IS ONE GAME AWAY FROM THE FINALS
Jun 12, 2021, 02:42:33 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-4 DJOKOVIC
FOURTH STRAIGHT GAME AND THE FINISH LINE IS IN SIGHT FOR DJOKOVIC!
Djokovic looking to do what no one has ever done, that is beat Nadal for the second time on Roland Garros and becoming the first player to beat Nadal after conceding the first set on the red clay of Paris.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:37:36 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-3 DJOKOVIC
Djokovic wins three on the trot to take a 3-2 lead.
Nadal has his strapping taken off from his ankle and is changing his socks on one leg.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:36:03 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-2 DJOKOVIC
Djokovic breaks back. You just cannot predict what is going to happen in this game. Every game, every point is an event in itself. That's just how good this match is. All we can do is sit back and watch history unfold right in front of our very eyes. "One for ages", "one of the best ever"...say what you may but matches of this sort do not come often.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:28:33 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-1 DJOKOVIC
A quickfire love-hold for Djokovic to get on the board.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:26:45 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 2-0 DJOKOVIC
30-30: Nadal needs one shot to change the course of the point. No way he should have won that point but he did. And that toom with a sumptuous drop shot.
30-40: Djokovic nets his return
NADAL HOLDS! From 0-30 down, including a double fault, Nadal plays out a staggering hold
Jun 12, 2021, 02:20:29 IST
FOURTH SET- NADAL 1-0 DJOKOVIC- Nadal breaks
NADAL BREAKS FROM 0-30 down.
Count him out at your own peril
Jun 12, 2021, 02:16:50 IST
What did we witness?
Take a breather, folks because I definitely need one. One of the best sets in the history of the game. An hour and 37 minutes of world-class tennis.
The crowd at Roland Garros has to leave at 11 pm local time every day but given the occasion, the authorities have decided the let the spectators stay. A great decision, undoubtedly.
Jun 12, 2021, 02:00:25 IST
THIRD SET TIE-BREAK- Djokovic wins
(Nadal-Djokovic)
0-1 First point of the TB goes to Djokovic
1-1: Backhand down the line is overcooked from Djokovic.
1-2: Slider wide of Nadal and then charging to the net for the third ball. Novak's ploy works perfectly this time as he takes the lead once again.
2-2: Under immense pressure, Djokovic fails to pull off a backhand drop shot.
3-2: Nadal with the lead for the first time as Djokovic's backhand down the line drifts just wide of the sideline.
3-3: An shoulder-height volley from Djokovic
3-4: Djokovic back into the lead with a compact pass.
3-5: Nadal missed a sitter of a volley. Yes, you read that right! Does all th hard work, darting left to right and then misses a regulation volley by hitting it long of the baseline.
4-5: A second consecutive drop shot and this one is good enough to win him the point.
4-6: What a time to bring out the ace! A 197 kmph ace, down the T.
4-7: HE HAS DONE IT! NOVAK HAS FINALLY WON THE SET AFTER 92 MINUTES. An hour and 32 minutes for one set.
Jun 12, 2021, 01:57:21 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 6-6 DJOKOVIC
Adv to Nadal- Glorious ball striking from two of the best players in the world. Another exhausting, ferocious baseline exchange and this time, Nadal gets the better of Novak, who rams his return into the net. First set point for Nadal.
40-40: Nerves of steel. Down on set point and Novak has the courage to pull off a stunning backhand drop. Nadal's return on the slide falls wide.
Adv to Novak Djokovic: Novak with an opportunity to take the set into tie-break.
AND HE DOES! Nadal nets his return. We go on!
Jun 12, 2021, 01:47:44 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 6-5 DJOKOVIC- NADAL HOLDS
From 30-0 to 30-30, Novak's mini-comeback in game 11 lights up the contest once again. This game has now entered the fourth hour.
30-40: This is a bout that continues to see punches being thrown and players withstanding every punch. Incredible.
40-40: DEUCE!! Nadal's overhead smash, after sending Novak wide, helps him save another breakpoint.
ADV to Novak: Djokovic responds to the ball clipping the net with a delightful slice and Nadal does the same. Novak then makes the lob on the slide, loses his footing only to see Nadal miss his skyhook. WOW!
40-40: NADAL RESPONDS WITH A MASSIVE FOREHAND DOWN THE LINE WINNER
ADV to Nadal: Nadal inches ahead and closes the game with an ace. NADAL HOLDS
Jun 12, 2021, 01:36:08 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 5-5 DJOKOVIC- Nadal breaks
15-0: Excellent stuff from Nadal. A sumptuous forehand volley on the run followed by a simple bunt past Nadal down the centre.
30-0: Not this time. Nadal's forehand down the line flies off the face of the racket and does not catch the line this time.
30-15: A rare unforced error from Novak in this set. The ball sits up nicely at the centre and Novak swats the crosscourt off his forehand but only manages to find the net.
30-30: Passed up the line by Nadal. A piercing, pin-point backhand down the line from the corner of the court.
30-40: HE'S MADE IT! Nadal, in his living room (as they say) isn't letting Novak run away with the set. From 0-30 to 40-30., he has chance to break Novak.
NADAL BREAKS! As long as Rafa is on the court, anything is possible. Still very much in the balance, this match.
Jun 12, 2021, 01:35:24 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 4-5 DJOKOVIC
Djokovic serving for the set. Will he get the job done?
Jun 12, 2021, 01:35:00 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 4-5 DJOKOVIC- Nadal holds
30-15: 11th backhand winner from Novak. Legs spread apart, made to fetch on the slide and yet, he beats Nadal on the return. Outstanding.
40-15: JUST IN! Nadal's forehand drive clips the baseline.
Nadal holds!
Jun 12, 2021, 01:27:55 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 3-5 DJOKOVIC- Novak holds
30-40: And now, Nadal has an opportunity to break back.
Djokovic gets a time violation warning. First of the day.
40-40: What a forehand from Novak. He gives the ball a massive whip. Even Rafa could barely get any racket on it.
ADV to Novak: And now, it's an advantage to Novak. He inches ahead with a forehand down the line winner.
Novak holds! Nadal's inside-out forehands misses the line. After 52 minutes, Novak has a chance to go 2-1 up in the semifinal.
Jun 12, 2021, 01:24:03 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 3-4 DJOKOVIC- Djokovic breaks
Novak breaks again to lead 4-3. This is incredible. Neither play is ready to give the other an inch.
Jun 12, 2021, 01:15:08 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 3-3 DJOKOVIC- NADAL BREAKS
15-30: YOU KNOW A RETURN IS MAGNIFICENT WHEN YOUR OPPONENT APPLAUDS YOU. Novak tries a serve and volley routine but Nadal passes him with an immaculate backhand cross court
15-40: Follows it up with some luck. Once again, Nadal drawn forward, courtesy of a backhand drop shot from Novak. He is then sent back to return a lob. He turns around and smacks the ball towards the Novak, but the ball clips the top of the net, setting off Novak, hits the frame of his racquet and falls wide.
30-40: Novak saves on break point.
40-40: RALLY OF THE MATCH! FOR SURE! TWO GREATS GOIN TOE TO TOE. A SPECTACULAR INSIDE-OUT FOREHAND WINNER FROM NOVAK.
NADAL BREAKS WITH A FOREHAND DOWN THE LINE WINNER
Jun 12, 2021, 01:01:04 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 2-3 DJOKOVIC- Djokovic breaks
15-0: Starts with an ace, does Nadal.
15-40: Two break points for Novak. Is fatigue getting the better of Nadal?
30-40: After forcing Novak deep on his backhand, Nadal drops it short and Djokovic nets his slice.
40-40: Fatigue? Who said anything about that? Nadal hits an ace down the T.
ADV To Novak: Misses it by a whisker. Djokovic's forehand is met by Nadal's backhand, who nearly pulled off a miraculous around-the-net winner. The ball shoots long.
NOVAK BREAKS! Nadal's backhand drop finds the net.
Jun 12, 2021, 01:00:42 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 2-2 DJOKOVIC
Easy hold to 15 for Novak.
Jun 12, 2021, 24:50:18 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 2-1 DJOKOVIC
15-15: Wow, that is sublime control. A heavy backhand cross-court return from Nadal is met by a feather-like forehand slice from Djokovic. There was no way Nadal was going to return that ball.
15-30: How much will this hurt Nadal? Sends down another unforced error.
30-30: Don't count him out yet. Works Djokovic side-to-side before going inside-out off his forehand to win the point.
30-40: Nadal forces an error from Nadal and he has a chance to break!
40-40: Nadal saves the breakpoint with a 1-2 punch. A slider out wide and then a forehand for the winner.
ADV to Novak: Nadal's backhand return finds the net.
40-40: Nadal saves another breakpoint and he is beginning to show some emotions now. Knows how important this game is.
ADV to Nadal: Now, he has the advantage. Forced Novak deep and then finishes off the point with a simple overhead smash.
NADAL HOLDS AND THAT WAS GORGEOUS! Djokovic plays a drop shot and Nadal is equal to it as he catches Novak mid-court and flick the ball past him.
Jun 12, 2021, 24:46:56 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 1-1 DJOKOVIC
Djokovic holds! A straightforward hold for Novak this time around
Jun 12, 2021, 24:42:41 IST
THIRD SET- NADAL 1-0 DJOKOVIC
A comfortable hold to 15 for Nadal. Sets himself up easily, rotates his body and nails a monstrous forehand down the line.
Jun 12, 2021, 24:26:29 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 3-6 DJOKOVIC- Novak wins set
15-0: Novak sends down a thunderous forehand down the centre and past Nadal.
15-15: Follows it up with an unforced error.
15-30: THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! Nadal turning up the heat at Chatrier. Djokovic rules the rally from the net only to be beaten by a low, accurate backhand, cross court pass from Nadal.
30-40: Double fault from Djokovic and Nadal sniffs a chance.
40-40: JUST WIDE! A rather ordinary miss from Nadal. Backhand return falls wide.
ADV to Nadal: Djokovic, on the run, nets his low, backhand return.
40-40: Djokovic isn't going to let this go. Nadal's loosing his footing during a return, but allows Novak to size the forehand up and draw level once again.
ADV to Djokovic: Easy point for Novak and Nadal nets his return.
GAME AND SET TO NOVAK! Nadal skies his return
Jun 12, 2021, 24:25:45 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 3-5 DJOKOVIC
15-15: STOP IT NOVAK! A second serve to the body of Djokovic from Nadal. The latter was up to the challenge as he gets on top of the bounce to beat Nadal with a compact return.
40-15: Sends Novak wide on the serve return and then finishes the point with a forehand down the line
GAME TO NADAL! Djokovic's returns falls long.
Jun 12, 2021, 24:13:48 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 2-5 DJOKOVIC
40-40: Nadal squanders two break points opportunities as Novak brings the game back to deuce.
ADV to Nadal: How did Nadal get out of jail during the point? He was second-best throughout and yet, he wins the point as Djokovic nets an easy overhead.
40-40: ANOTHER exhausting rally and eventually, Nada netted his backhand return.
ADV to Djokovic: Oh, dear! Nadal attempts a backhand drop shot from the baseline and it's advantage to Novak.
40-40: On we go in the game as Novak's backhand return finds the net. 10 minutes into this game. None of these guys want to give this away.
ADV to Djokovic: A backhand masterclass from Novak as he beats Nadal with a staggering drive and it wasn't too close to far away from the Spaniard.
GAME TO NOVAK! What a massive hold. Nadal's swat off the forehand drags wide.
Jun 12, 2021, 24:05:53 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 2-4 DJOKOVIC- Novak breaks
0-15: THAT WAS COMPREHENSIVE! A soft backhand return from Nadal, Djokovic runs up to the line, takes it on early and hits a sumptuous crosscourt backhand.
0-30: Does it again. Sends Nadal fetching wide, Nadal lobs and Novak then puts the point to bed with an overhead smash.
0-40: From one line to the other. Backline exchanges starting to edge towards Novak. Nadal's backhand slice drops wide.
15-40: Saves one break point, does Nadal. Gets on top of a loopy return from Novak, goes around the ball and drills a ferocious forehand for a winner.
30-40: Saves one more and this net, after a battle at the net. A flurry of slices and drops and finally, Nadal managed to overpower Djokovic
DJOKOVIC BREAKS AND STAYS AHEAD!
Jun 12, 2021, 24:01:11 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 2-3 DJOKOVIC
30-15: After winning the first point, Novak undercooks backhand drop shot as the ball fails to cross the net.
40-15: Nadal's backhand down the line falls wide.
GAME TO DJOKOVIC. Another unforced error off the backhand from Nadal. Smashes the ball into the net.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:57:41 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 2-2 DJOKOVIC- Spaniard draws level
30-15: Two consecutive unforced errors from Djokovic. Netted his return on the second point and overhit his return on the third point.
30-30: Nadal's forehand cross court top spit return drifts wide of the sideline.
40-30: A great serve down the T, Djokovic lobs the return, Nadal rushes to the net and finished the point with a smash.
GAME TO NADAL AND HE LEVELS THE SCORE as Novak smashes his forehand crosscourt return into the net.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:51:52 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 1-2 DJOKOVIC- Nadal breaks back
0-40: Nadal has three breakpoints after a couple of unforced errors from Djokovic.
FOREHAND DOWN THE LINE FOR A WINNER AND NADAL BREAKS!
Jun 11, 2021, 23:50:55 IST
SECOND SET- NADAL 0-2 DJOKOVIC- The Serb breaks
0-15: Nadal in a spot of bother here. A ferocious baseline exchange results in Djokovic returning deep to Nadal's backhand, who then gets low to chip it back over the net but fails to do so.
0-30: Backahnad cross court retuns drifts long.
0-40: THREE BREAK POINTS FOR DJOKOVIC as Nadal registers another unforced error
15-40: HOW DID HE PULL THAT OFF? THAT WAS MORE OF A TABLE TENNIS MOVE. Nadal is forced on to the backfoot and Nadal shimmies back and plays a brilliant forehand drop shot
A comfortable hold for Djokovic as he starts off on a positive note in the second set.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:40:37 IST
NADAL WINS 6-3
At last, and after almost an hour, Nadal takes the first set 6-3.
What a start to this semifinal.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:38:03 IST
SERVING FOR THE SET, NADAL
Will Nadal end the set in this game?
15-0: Djokovic's backhand return rams into the net.
40-0: At times, you run out of words to describe a rally and this is one of them. It had everything. Lobs, drops and sumptuous returns.
40-15: But Novak isn't done yet. Negotiates a flurry of overhead smashes from Nadal to pull off a rather unique pass off his forehand.
40-40: Novak saves six match points! Nadal's forehand smashes into the net.
ADV to Nadal: A fast serve down the T and Novak overhits his return by a whisker.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:33:49 IST
NADAL 5-3 DJOKOVIC: Three in a row for Novak
0-30: A topspin, forehand past Djokovic from the centre. Stunning! Ninth winner of the set.
15:30: A lot better from Djokovic. Played this rally from a lot inside the line, thus dominating the rally. He takes advantage of a weak backhand from Nadal by finding the line on his down the line forehand.
30-30: ACE! First of the match for Novak and it has come at a crucial time.
30-40: Set Point no.3 for Nadal.
40-40: DEUCE! After two overheads, he finally manages to beat Nadal on the third.
ADV to Novak: BEAUTIFUL! Once again, he's the aggressor in the rally Forcing Nadal to run deep on his backhand and charging the net to finish the point. This time, he beats Nadal with a pick-up forhand.
GAME TO NOVAK! THREE IN A ROW! Nadal's returns falls wide after clipping the net.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:18:02 IST
FRENCH OPEN SEMI FINAL LIVE: Djokovic breaks Nadal
0-15: Djokovic wins the first point.
0-30: A foothold in the Nadal service game for Djokovic. Nadal's backhand crosscourt return clips the net and falls out of bounds.
30-40: Breakpoint opportunity for Novak as he pulls off a stunning backhand drop shot.
40-40: A response and a half. Catches Novak wrong-footed and smacks his forehand down the line past him.
ADV Nadal: A deep serve to Novak and then zips to the net and volleys it to set up set point.
40-40: DEUCE! Novak finally nails his overhead smash. Sends Nadal deep on his backhand, who then chips the ball high in the air. Novak backs himself and hits a fine smash for the winner.
ADV TO NADAL: Sensational from Nadal. A skyhook cross court to win the point.
40-40: Novak holding on. Nadal's backhand return slams into the net. Eight minutes into this game already.
ADV Djokovic: He has another chance to break Nadal. 5th of the set, 3rd of the game after Nadal overhits his backhand.
DJOKOVIC BREAKS BACK!
Jun 11, 2021, 23:16:18 IST
NADAL 5-1 DJOKOVIC: Djokovic off the mark.
SUMPTUOUS! A trademark Nadal forehand down the line Fetches it from outside the court and paints the line.
Novak holds! He is off the mark and unlike last year, avoids the bagel.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:08:49 IST
NADAL 5-0 DJOKOVIC:
30-0: Another return off Novak's racket that falls long of the baseline.
30-15: Double fault from Nadal, his second of the set and match so far.
40-15: A longer rally this time but once again, Djokovic's backhand drive shoots long.
GAME TO NADAL. Another easy hold and Djokovic just hasn't turned up yet.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:06:42 IST
NADAL 4-0 DJOKOVIC: Nadal breaks again
15-40: After dragging his forehand crosscourt wide, Djokovic overhits another return.
NADAL BREAKS! That wasn't hard work for Nadal as Novak made another unforced error by slamming his forehand into the net. Nadal crusing along.
Jun 11, 2021, 23:02:12 IST
NADAL 3-0 DJOKOVIC: NADAL BREAKS
NADAL HOLDS HIS SERVE TO GO UP A BREAK, LEADS 3-0
Jun 11, 2021, 22:52:24 IST
NADAL 2-0 DJOKOVIC: NADAL BREAKS
15-0: Novak paints the sideline beautifully.
15-15: Then follows it up with a double fault
30-15: Lucky but you need it in such matches. Djokovic runs around the ball to turn hit a forehand. The ball clips the top of the net and drops dead at the other side of the net.
40-15: Novak's baseline game is one of the best in the game, makes Nadal dart left and right before forcing Nadal to smoke his forehand return over the baseline.
40-30: HOW ABOUT THAT FOR A RESPONSE! A thunderous forehand down the line from the centre of the court for the winner.
40-40: Djokovic nets his return.
ADV Novak: Sends Nadal deep on his backhand and then charges to the net to finish the point with a simple overhead tap.
40-40: Once again, Nadal goes wide on the forehand and Novak is unable to keep the return inside the court.
ADV Nadal: Djokovic, who fancied the drop shots last year as well, plays one more off his backhand. This time, Nadal slides return past Novak.
GAME TO NADAL! NADAL BREAKS
Jun 11, 2021, 22:46:34 IST
NADAL 1-0 DJOKOVIC: Nadal takes first game in 9 minutes
0-15. An unforced backhand error from Nadal goes wide.
15-15: A great serve down the T and Djokovic's return fails to cross over.
30-15: Djokovic draws Nadal to the net with a drop and then sends him back with an overhead lob. Nadal smacks the ball directly at Djokovic, who fails to keep the volley inbounds.
30-30: A cross court backhand winner from Djokovic as Nadal is forced wide on the backhand.
30-40: Early breakpoint opportunity for Novak as Nadal's forehand drive rams into the net.
40-40: Nadal isn't going to sit back. Responds with an ace.
ADV Djokovic: Novak ruling this rally, his forehand down the line is too good for Nadal to return.
40-40: Another Break-Point saved from Nadal. A fierce serve that Djokovic fails to return
ADV Nadal: This time, Novak is caught wrong-footed as Nadal pulls up the line on his forehand cross court to win the point.
40-40: Third deuce. A double fault from Nadal. The very first game has already clocked more than 7 minutes.
ADV Nadal: WHAT A GET FROM NADAL. Runs forward to return the drop and then runs back to return the lob. He hits it high in the air and temps Novak to smash it back, who ends up overhitting it.
GAME TO NADAL: At last, the first game is over and it goes to Nadal. A crosscourt backhand from Novk drifts wide.
Jun 11, 2021, 22:39:49 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: FIRST SET BEGINS
Two legends of the game. Two greats of the game.
FINALLY, it's TIME!
Jun 11, 2021, 22:34:26 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: Nadal wins toss, to serve first
Right then. Nadal has won the toss and will serve first. 4 minutes to action.
Jun 11, 2021, 22:34:03 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final:
The players are out and the warm-up has begun.
Jun 11, 2021, 22:30:29 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: Some more numbers
Djokovic vs. Nadal – By the Numbers:
- Djokovic 29-28 Overall(78-74 sets)
- Nadal 19-7 on Clay Courts (won last 5)
- Nadal 10-6 in #GrandSlam events (7-1 at FO)
This will be their 1st SF meeting since 2018 Wimbledon (Djokovic won in 5 sets).
Jun 11, 2021, 22:23:25 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: Not far away
Right then, it's almost time for the second semifinal. Don't go anywhere. We are in for a treat.
Jun 11, 2021, 22:14:29 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: JUST IN
JUST IN! Tsitsipas makes the final.
Alexander Zverev vs Stefanos Tsitsipas ends with the latter winning 6-3,6-3,4-6,4-6,6-3
Jun 11, 2021, 22:11:47 IST
French Open 2021 Semi Final: GS Semis H2H
In Grand Slams semifinals, the two men have met five times in the past.
Nadal has four of those semis.
Will he make it five or will Djokovic make it 4-2?
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