Nadal outlasts Djokovic in French Open epic

June 07, 2013 09:43 pm | Updated November 16, 2021 08:45 pm IST - PARIS

Spain's Rafael Nadal screams in his semifinal match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the French Open tennis tournament, at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 7, 2013. Photo: AP

Spain's Rafael Nadal screams in his semifinal match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the French Open tennis tournament, at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Friday June 7, 2013. Photo: AP

Rafael Nadal won an epic semifinal against Novak Djokovic at the French Open to remain the King of Clay for another couple of days, at least.

Seven-time champion Nadal twice let a lead slip away in the fourth set on Friday, then came from behind in the fifth to beat the No. 1-ranked Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7.

Djokovic blew an easy overhead on the opening point on the final game and went on to lose serve at love, sending his final forehand long.

Nadal improved to 58-1 at Roland Garros, including five wins over Djokovic. The French Open remains the only major title Djokovic has yet to win.

Nadal is trying to become the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event.

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