Rafael Nadal has had an impeccable tennis career. Such has been his domination over the years that he has barely put a foot wrong. Earlier this year, the Spaniard created history by becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. He did so at the Australian Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the summit clash.

Amongst the 21 major titles, Nadal has won 13 of them at the French Open. He is one of the greatest clay-court players to have played the sport. Due to his domination on this surface, Nadal is famously called the ‘King of Clay’. Recently, Nadal opened up about this tagline.

Rafael Nadal on being the ‘King of Clay’

Yesterday, Nadal survived a scare at the French Open 2022. He defeated Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in an epic five-setter to proceed to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Subsequently, during the post-match interview, he said, “King of clay? Nobody calls me this way in my family or circle of friends. I don’t need to be called the king of anything.”

Further, it was a keenly fought affair between Nadal and Felix. Earlier in the match, the Canadian started dominantly, taking the first set 6-3. However, Nadal came back strongly like he has done ever so well throughout his tennis career. He won the next two sets, 6-3 and 6-2 to take a two sets to one lead.

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Further, Felix leveled the match by winning the fourth set, 6-3. In the deciding set, Nadal got a crucial break of serve in the eighth game. Subsequently, he held his serve to win the set, 6-3.

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Nadal to face Djokovic at French Open 2022

In the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2022, the Spaniard will take on World Number 1, Novak Djokovic. Earlier in the day, Djokovic had a comfortable straight-set victory over Diego Schwartzman in the fourth round.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open

While Nadal is aiming to win his 14th French Open title, Djokovic is the defending champion. It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in this mouth-watering contest.