Rafael Nadal sets up Novak Djokovic blockbuster at French Open quarters

PARIS: Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal — winner of a record 21 majors and 13-time champion at Roland Garros — won yet another thriller to set up a quarterfinal clash with Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the French Open.

The 35-year-old Nadal survived a major scare from Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in front of a packed crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier before advancing 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and improving to 109-3 at the clay-court major.

In a gripping clash, Nadal lost the first set in a match at Roland Garros for just the 11th time. However, the Spaniard kept his composure to move into the last-eight after four hours and 23 minutes.

Prior to Sunday, Nadal had been taken to five sets in just two of his 111 matches at the event. He defeated John Isner of the US 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-4 in 2011 and overcame Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7 in 2013. With his victory, Nadal has now reached the quarterfinals in 16 of his 18 appearances in Paris.

The world No. 5 won the inaugural major of 2022, taking the Australian Open crown in January and is aiming to win a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam this fortnight in Paris. The fifth seed will next face Novak Djokovic after the top seed defeated Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.

The Serbian had defeated Nadal in the semifinals last year before he downed Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas to lift the trophy in Paris for the second time. Djokovic leads Nadal 30-28 in their ATP head-to-head. Nadal has won seven of their nine matches at Roland Garros.

"We know each other well," Nadal said looking ahead to his match against Djokovic. "We have a lot of history together. He came here after winning in Rome. For me, it was not an ideal situation to arrive here. But here we are. We are at Roland Garros, it is my favourite place without a doubt. The only thing I can tell you, I am going to be focused and try my best. The only thing I can guarantee is that I am going to fight until the end."

Meanwhile Rafael Nadal's French Open quarter-final against Djokovic will take place in Tuesday's night session at Roland Garros despite the 13-time champion's desire to play in the day. Officials confirmed on Monday that the pair's 59th career meeting will be the late match under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier with the day's other quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev set for the afternoon. "I don't like to play on clay during the night, because the humidity is higher, the ball is slower, and there can be very heavy conditions especially when it's cold," said Nadal last week.

Djokovic had hinted he would prefer to face Nadal as late as possible.

"All I will say is Rafa and I would make different requests," said the world number one and defending champion. (Agencies)

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