When Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal Played an Intense Four-Hour Thriller at Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played out a four hour eight minute thriller in a best of three sets semifinal at Madrid Open 2009.

Novak Djokovic with the first set

Novak  Djokovic took early advantage in the match, by taking a 5-2 lead.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Trailing at 5-2 and facing a set point, Nadal tried to save the set.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

But Djokovic served out the set and won it 6-3.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Rafael Nadal's comeback to win the second set

At multiple points in the second set, Nadal saved several break points to stay in the match.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

At 5-5 and just two games from victory, Djokovic won unbelievable rallies.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

The second set moved to the tiebreaker where Nadal took a 5-3 lead.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Nadal finally converted his set point and leveled the match.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Topsy-Turvy final set!

Novak Djokovic was the first to strike as he broke Nadal to lead 3-1.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Nadal replied back to Djokovic to break him and bring the set to parity.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

The 22-minute
tiebreaker

The third set tiebreaker was the closest and Nadal won a brilliant rally to make it even at 3-3.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

With Djokovic leading 6-5, Nadal saved first of three match points.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Trailing at 6-7, Nadal saved a second match point.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

Nadal finally converted his third match point to win the four hour eight minute long clash.

Credit: YouTube/ATPTour

“Miss My Youth”: Rafael Nadal Vows To Play On for as Long as He Enjoys It

“Way to Clear My Mind”: Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Balancing Career and Business

Eugenie Bouchard Reveals Would Have Opted for a Technical Career if Not for Tennis

Read More