Rafael Nadal celebrates advancing to the semifinals of the French Open
Michel Euler, ČTK / AP
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Thirty-four-year-old Nadal wondered why the organizers had let them play so late, when it was barely 13 degrees Celsius. “The weather … It was cold for tennis. It was a bit dangerous for the body,” said the Spanish tennis player, who can win the 20th grand slam title in Paris and equal Roger Federer’s record.
Due to the conditions, he managed the most difficult inspection this year so far. He didn’t like that the organizers had planned five matches for the main court. They were in a slip with one duel of the fourth round of women, which was made impossible the day before by the rain. And before his match with Sinner, a five-hundredth battle took place.
Simply Stunning ????
In his 100th career match at #RolandGarros, @RafaelNadal returns to a 13th SFs defeating Sinner 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1. pic.twitter.com/7OzxSouBIG
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 6, 2020
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“I don’t know why they put five matches in there. There was a risk that some would be long, which happened. It was a risk,” Nadal said angrily. “I know that footballers still play in such conditions, but they are constantly on the move while we stop, change sides …,” he added. Traditionally, Roland Garros is played in May, but was postponed to the fall this year due to a coronavirus pandemic.
In a duel with nineteen-year-old Sinner, Nadal was the first to lose in the first and second sets, but he turned over both sets and the third already dominated.
Italian Jannik Sinner was a pleasant surprise at this year’s French Open in Paris.
Charles Platiau, Reuters
“He is a very good and talented player. He has a lot of strength and great strokes. I was lucky, especially in the second set,” the clay king acknowledged. “I tried to be patient, to come to terms with everything and to be positive. I succeeded,” he added after setting another record in the history of the tournament. No match has ended before 1:26.
The top rival in the semifinals will be Diego Schwartzman, with whom he lost a week before Roland Garros in the quarterfinals in Rome. The Argentine also confirms his form in Paris and in the quarterfinals he eliminated the winner of the US Open Dominic Thiem from Austria.
| French Open in Paris (clay, subsidy 38 million euros): |
| Men: |
| Singles – Quarterfinals: |
| Nadal (2-Šp.) – Sinner (It.) 7:6 (7:4), 6:4, 6:1. |
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