Nadal Wins French Open , Quarterfinal Showdown , Against Rival Djokovic.<br />Nadal Wins French Open , Quarterfinal Showdown , Against Rival Djokovic.<br />On May 31, Rafael Nadal earned <br />a quarterfinal victory against <br />longtime rival Novak Djokovic.<br />On May 31, Rafael Nadal earned <br />a quarterfinal victory against <br />longtime rival Novak Djokovic.<br />ESPN reports that the victory puts Nadal <br />one step closer to earning his 14th championship <br />at the Grand Slam tournament. .<br />ESPN reports that the victory puts Nadal <br />one step closer to earning his 14th championship <br />at the Grand Slam tournament. .<br />A win would also see Nadal take <br />home his 22nd major career trophy and <br />add to a number of records he already holds.<br />A win would also see Nadal take <br />home his 22nd major career trophy and <br />add to a number of records he already holds.<br />To win against Novak, there is only <br />one way -- to play at your best from <br />the first point to the last. Tonight has <br />been one of those magic nights for me, Rafael Nadal, via ESPN.<br />To win against Novak, there is only <br />one way -- to play at your best from <br />the first point to the last. Tonight has <br />been one of those magic nights for me, Rafael Nadal, via ESPN.<br />The match between Nadal <br />and the defending French Open <br />champion lasted over four hours.<br />It was the pair's 59th match against each <br />other, more than any other two men in the Open era. .<br />The win helped Nadal narrow <br />Djokovic's lead in the series to 30-29, <br />just one point away from a tie.<br />I lost to a better player today. <br />Had my chances. <br />Didn't use them. That's it, Novak Djokovic. via ESPN.<br />I lost to a better player today. <br />Had my chances. <br />Didn't use them. That's it, Novak Djokovic. via ESPN.<br />On June 3, Nadal will celebrate his <br />36th birthday while also facing third-seeded <br />Alexander Zverev in a semifinal match.<br />On June 3, Nadal will celebrate his <br />36th birthday while also facing third-seeded <br />Alexander Zverev in a semifinal match.<br />ESPN reports that Nadal showed <br />no sign of being slowed down <br />by chronic pain in his left foot.<br />The injury had previously kept him <br />off the tour for the second half of 2021, <br />but he returned before the French Open.
