Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 1st.Question: Like a teenager, Nadal’s French Open legend continues
Xinhua News Agency reporters Xu Shihao, Li Bowen, Xiao Yazhuo
A beautiful return ball won the “tiebreaker”, and Nadal slammed the tennis ball into the audience and raised his arms to celebrate the victory.
More than four hours of fierce battle to defeat Djokovic. Nadal didn’t cry, didn’t shout, just had a difficult expression with a hint of “not easy”.
The French Open quarter-final, the 59th match between the two giants. Djokovic had the upper hand with 30 wins and 28 losses in the previous 58 games, but in Roland Garros, Nadal won 7 games in 9 games.
In the first three sets, Nadal led 6:2, 4:6, 6:2. In the fourth set, Djokovic led 5:2 for a time, and also took inventory in the ninth inning. All indications were that the two superstars were regarding to play five sets, but Nadal became unstoppable following completing a key break, dragging the fourth set into a “tiebreaker”.
In the “tie-break”, Nadal became more and more brave, and Djokovic made many unforced errors. In the end, Nadal won his 110th victory at the French Open.
Winning this game, the fans saw the possibility of Nadal hitting the 22nd Grand Slam singles crown and continuing to lead Federer and Djokovic. Nadal said: “Novak (Djokovic), Roger (Federer) and me, for a long time, there were a lot of stories between us once morest each other, and there was always a story regarding who we won more Grand Slams. , who is the best topic in history.”
“But to me, it’s really not that important. (It’s important) that we live our dreams, we make history in the sport and be the best we can be.”
It was an unusual French Open for Nadal. The “King of Clay Clay”, who holds 13 French Open trophies, will only play as the fifth seed this time. In addition, he continued to suffer from foot injuries. When people talk regarding the favourites, they talk more regarding Djokovic, Tsitsipas, and even rookie Alcaraz – and now, all three have been eliminated.
In addition to being unusual, there is some “business as usual”. He’s still as humble and down-to-earth as he used to be: “My state actually surprised me a little bit. But this venue is really special to me. There’s no back-up plan here, or you’re going to do your best work. level, or just pack up and get ready to go home. Once you know that, you have to give it your all, and it will help you achieve your goals.”
His performance on the field is still amazing. Aging will naturally bring regarding a decline in running ability, but Nadal stubbornly maintained the consistent style of play when he was young. Ignoring the wrinkles on his face, in this game, he seemed to be the 19-year-old who won the French Open championship a few years following his debut. Unlike Djokovic who “lifts the weight lightly”, the Spaniard’s tennis philosophy has never changed, that is, keep running, swing hard, and fight for every ball.
Low-key and humble off the court, and doing his best on the court – the superstar who is regarding to celebrate his 36th birthday is still the “Natto” who is sincere to tennis. He has become a legend, and he is still writing it.
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责编：刘希尧 ]