Nadal beats Djokovic in Madrid Open semis

Tennis star Rafael Nadal makes it to the the final of the Madrid Open after beating rival Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Saturday.

The Spaniard, whose victory extended his unbeaten run on clay this year, saw off the World no. 2 in straight sets 6-2 6-4 to advance.

After losing to Nadal for the first time in three years in Madrid, Djokovic said: “Rafael was obviously the better player.

“I tried my best but it wasn’t a very high quality performance from my side. He did basically whatever he wanted, especially in the first set.

“It was still very good to play the semi-finals of a big event and against a rival. I had not had that feeling for a long time so it’s been a positive week.

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“Nadal is the big favourite for Roland Garros.”

Nadal has won nine French Open titles and will be gunning for the 10th this year.

Responding to Djokovic’s claim, Nadal said: “You [journalists] like to say I’m the favourite for Roland Garros, but in Paris we will have to wait and see.

“I played a very good first set but got a bit nervous in the second. Overall, it’s an important win for me.”

Nadal will meet either Thiem Dominic or Cuevas Pablo of the other last four tie, in the final on Sunday.

 

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