A Djokovic-Nadal match is one of the most sought after and anticipated rivalries by tennis aficionados. The two were set to meet today at the Italian Open Semi-Final for the 51st time with Djokovic coming into the match ahead in the head-to-head 26-24. But, it is well established who is called the King of Clay. Rafael Nadal won the match in straight sets 7-6 6-3.
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The first set was a tiebreaker which Nadal won 7-4. There were multiple intense rallies in which one could see flashes of old powerful and effective Djokovic. But none of it could save him from the brillaince of Rafael Nadal as he took the final set 6-3.
Nadal had recently broken John McEnroe’s record for most consecutive sets on the same surface by taking the number to a staggering 50. He lost out to Dominic Thiem in Madrid. But, it can be rightly said that the Spaniard had a good run on clay this time around winning Monte-Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
On the other hand Djokovic has been struggling with his form ever since his performance plummeted post French Open 2016.
“I have to embrace it and have to give everything I’ve got,” Djokovic said prior to the match against Nadal.
Djokovic faced Kei Nishikori in the Quarter-Final, winning 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. Whereas Rafael Nadal had earlier beaten Fabio Fognini 4-6 6-1 6-2.
Nadal will now go on to play the winner of Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev, currently seeded number 4 and number 2 respectively. The finale will take place on Sunday.
While Twitter hailed Nadal’s performance, there was a lot of buzz regarding Djokovic’s game today, which after so long had shown signs of resurrection. Here is how Twitter reacted to the match.
The 👑 of Clay marches on. @RafaelNadal defeats Novak Djokovic to reach his 10th Rome final, 7-6(4) 6-3. #ibi18
This Is by far the best level the last 2 matches I have seen from a Djoker since the 1st week at @Wimbledon last year
Utter respect to both @RafaelNadal and @DjokerNole. The former wins an epic 7-6(4) 6-3 encounter. Another demonstration of mental and physical excellence from #Nadal. Major strides forward from #Djokovic. Awesome shot-making and spirit from both. #ibi18
Old friends. Old rivals. New Magic! 😍👏 Insane rally from @RafaelNadal and @DjokerNole #ibi18
Game, set and match @RafaelNadal, the world no.2 defeats familiar foe #Djokovic 7-6(4) 6-3 to reach his 48th Masters 1000 final and 10th in Rome Moves on to face Zverev/Cilic #IBI18
Blistering pace + wicked spin from @RafaelNadal. 👏 Feel sorry for that tennis ball. 😢 #ibi18
Nadal 7-6(4). What a set.
No ceilings near 😜 Rafa ready 🙌 #ibi18
Way better last 3 games from Djoker also some 23 25 and 29 🎾 ball bounces are back
Nadal and Djokovic wan kill each other.
I do think 🤔 Djoker showing a lot of positive signs this week, still think 🤔 that his weight being so thin ATM will hurt his stamina and strength from the corners especially in 5 setters
In their ATP-record 51st match, Rafael Nadal prevails 7-6(4), 6-3 over Novak Djokovic to reach the Rome final. Djokovic looks much, much better than earlier this year--but still not enough to dethrone the king of clay. #ibi18
Epic is what we expected and that's what we witnessed! 🙌 @RafaelNadal wins 7-6(4) 6-3 against Novak Djokovic and becomes the 1st one to qualify for the #ATP #ibi18 Final! Get ready tomorrow for another extraordinary battle! 🔥 #tennis
