The Grandstand presents its 2013 Matches of the Year, continuing with No. 2. The Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic rivalry added another chapter at the end of the clay-court swing with one of the most memorable matches in French Open history. Ricky Dimon and Hasan Murad recap the five-set marathon.
Rafael Nadal d. Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7(3), 9-7 – French Open semifinals
“This is the biggest matchup of our Roland Garros 2013 campaign for both me and him,” Djokovic said before his semifinal showdown against Nadal. “I guess it’s the small details and few points can decide a winner.”
You can say that again.
The moment Djokovic’s final forehand sailed long and Nadal exulted with downright jubilation and solace, it was manifest why this semifinal of the 2013 French Open was tagged as a “virtual final.” After four hours and 37 minutes of onerous and topsy-turvy play, the King of Clay outlasted his fiercest rival 9-7 in the fifth to earn a berth in the title match.
In the wake of his recent win over Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Masters, a confident Djokovic’s determination knew no bounds as he was only two wins away from completing a career slam. Nadal, meanwhile, was also taking a sizeable stroke at history in his pursuit of a record-shattering eighth Roland Garros title.
With expectations soaring, both men started in fine form but it was Nadal who drew first blood. The Spaniard broke at 3-3 and went on to snag the opening set without facing break point.
When Nadal broke serve in the second set at 2-2 thanks to sustained brilliance, there was a feeling it was just a matter of time before he would be reveling his 58th career match win on the Paris dirt. However, quite accustomed to defying odds, Djokovic regrouped and went on a tear to reel off four straight games and draw level at one set apiece.
The third set was an aberration. Djokovic’s wavering focus and Nadal’s fearsome intensity swiftly led to an unassailable 5-0 lead for the defending champion, which quickly translated to a 6-1 rout.
A back-and-forth penultimate set laid the framework for one of the greatest matches in the tournament’s entire existence. Throughout the fourth, Djokovic’s dogged perseverance allowed him to stand firm in the face of adversity even when he was twice two points away from defeat with Nadal serving for the match at 6-5, 30-15 and 30-30. Djokovic started hitting the ball with brutal efficiency and with his opponent suddenly tightening up, he dictated more rallies to steal the see-saw set in a tiebreaker.
Aggressive returning and ball-striking enabled Djokovic to initially take command of the deciding set by breaking in the opening game and staving off a break point at 1-0. His sternest test arrived when serving at 4-3. The most dramatic game of the match (and perhaps of the year), which even saw Djokovic losing steadiness to run into the net to concede a point, ended with Nadal leveling the score at 4-4. This further prompted a battle of tenacity and tactical acumen. Nadal refused to capitulate as he raised his game to another level to prevail in the 16th game when Djokovic finally relinquished his serve. It was an effort of epic proportions from each man, but—as always—there could only be one winner.
“It’s very, very special for me,” assured an elated Nadal, who was full of respect for his opponent. “I want to congratulate Novak. He’s a great champion and he will win here at Roland Garros one day, I’m sure.”
For now, though, this is a match at which the tennis world should continue to marvel. After all, it had everything. In addition to featuring awe-inspiring shots, the encounter—like a Hollywood thriller—was abundant of suspense caused by incessant momentum swings and drama every step of the way. Apt to say it proved to be the most significant tennis match of the year in terms of separating No. 1 from No. 2 by the slenderest of margins.
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