Those of us expecting a dramatic match for the ages between the Roland Garros’ most successful player and the current world # 1 man would have been sorely disappointed with the result on the day. Top star Novak Djokovic swept aside Rafael Nadal like he was some unranked junior player, and earned his rightful place in the semifinals where he hopes to push on and capture the only Grand Slam title that has eluded him in his illustrious career: the French Open.
King of Clay has been deposed! Novak Djokovic ends Rafa Nadal reign on Paris clay thanks to an amazing 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 victory over the defending champ to reach French Open last 4. Adios Rafa!
Posted by We Are Tennis on Wednesday, June 3, 2015
In large part, the reason Djokovic hasn’t won this title before was due to Nadal’s impeccable quality on clay. That quality has seemingly withered in 2015 and it was evident early in the match. Djokovic got off to a hot start, breaking Nadal twice to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Then came a strong run by the Spaniard back to 4-4. However, Djokovic conquered to a 7-5 victory of the set.
From then on it was over. Nadal won just 4 games in the final two sets and looked hardly a shell of his former self. The final score of 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 tells a tale of masterful control and demoralizing capitulation. All the while, Djokovic looked comfortable and graceful, his shots falling precisely where he’s wanted them to, Nadal continuously baffled.
Novak Djokovic & Rafa Nadal hug after 2015 French Open quarterfinals match.
And so, for the world’s top player to make such a legend as Nadal look average at best, Djokovic looks ready to claim his second Grand Slam of the year. While there is still much work to be done, he’ll certainly rest easy knowing that he took apart Spain’s most famous tennis player without breaking a sweat on a major stage. Could a historic 4-peat be in the making, or is it still too early to tell?
Nicholas Spiller
Latest posts by Nicholas Spiller (see all)
- Drama, Upsets, and Excitement at the 2016 US Open - September 6, 2016
- Andy Murray’s Olympic Gold Medal Proves He’s Ready to Contend with Novak Djokovic Again - August 15, 2016
- Wimbledon 2016 Hits Full Swing - June 30, 2016