After dethroning 'king of clay' Rafa Nadal at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will next face a first-time Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas as the world number one bids to become the first man in the open era to win all four majors at least twice.

Roy Emerson and Rod Laver are the only men to have won each of the four Grand Slams on two or more occasions but no one has achieved the feat since 1968 when the sport allowed professional players to compete at the majors.

A second trophy at Roland Garros, after his 2016 triumph on the red clay, on Sunday will also give the 34-year-old Serbian his 19th Grand Slam title - one short of Nadal and Roger Federer's men's record.

His challenger will be a 22-year-old who is bidding to become the first Greek to win a singles major.

Tsitsipas has long been marked out as a future Grand Slam champion and has already collected trophies from the season-ending ATP Finals and a Masters 1000 tournament.

But he had drawn a blank the three times he reached the last-four stage at a major before Friday's semi-final where he took down U.S. Open finalist Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set duel.

The first Grand Slam finalist from Greece will arrive on Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday with a 2-5 win-loss record against the Serbian but will draw inspiration from the fact that he has a Tour-leading win tally in 2021.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge," Tsitsipas said on Friday, looking ahead to his first major final.

"I'm looking forward to bring my game to kind of challenge myself to step it up."

Nothing less than his 'A' game would suffice for the Greek as he has never managed to defeat Djokovic on clay though he took the Serbian to five sets in the semi-finals at the same venue last year.

The emotions of Friday's fantastic win over 13-time French Open winner Nadal might leave a hangover for most players but that might not be a problem for Djokovic with his incredible mental strength.

"It's not the first time that I play an epic semi-final in a Grand Slam and then I have to come back in less than 48 hours and play finals," he said.

"My recovery abilities are pretty good, I must say, throughout my career ... I know what I need to do."

Djokovic was happy to relax a bit and enjoy his semi-final win over his great rival but will not take anything for granted against the Greek.

"He's in great form," the Serbian said. "I think he matured as a player a lot. Clay (is) arguably his best surface.

"We played an epic five-setter last year in the semis here. Yeah, I know it's going to be another tough one.

"I'm hoping I can recharge my batteries as much as I can because I'm going to need some power and energy for that one."

After dethroning 'king of clay' Rafa Nadal at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will next face a first-time Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas as the world number one bids to become the first man in the open era to win all four majors at least twice.

After dethroning 'king of clay' Rafa Nadal at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will next face a first-time Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas as the world number one bids to become the first man in the open era to win all four majors at least twice. Roy Emerson and Rod Laver are the only men to have won each of the four Grand Slams on two or more occasions but no one has achieved the feat since 1968 when the sport allowed professional players to compete at the majors. A second trophy at Roland Garros, after his 2016 triumph on the red clay, on Sunday will also give the 34-year-old Serbian his 19th Grand Slam title - one short of Nadal and Roger Federer's men's record. His challenger will be a 22-year-old who is bidding to become the first Greek to win a singles major. Tsitsipas has long been marked out as a future Grand Slam champion and has already collected trophies from the season-ending ATP Finals and a Masters 1000 tournament. But he had drawn a blank the three times he reached the last-four stage at a major before Friday's semi-final where he took down U.S. Open finalist Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set duel. The first Grand Slam finalist from Greece will arrive on Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday with a 2-5 win-loss record against the Serbian but will draw inspiration from the fact that he has a Tour-leading win tally in 2021. "I'm looking forward to that challenge," Tsitsipas said on Friday, looking ahead to his first major final. "I'm looking forward to bring my game to kind of challenge myself to step it up." Nothing less than his 'A' game would suffice for the Greek as he has never managed to defeat Djokovic on clay though he took the Serbian to five sets in the semi-finals at the same venue last year. The emotions of Friday's fantastic win over 13-time French Open winner Nadal might leave a hangover for most players but that might not be a problem for Djokovic with his incredible mental strength. "It's not the first time that I play an epic semi-final in a Grand Slam and then I have to come back in less than 48 hours and play finals," he said. "My recovery abilities are pretty good, I must say, throughout my career ... I know what I need to do." Djokovic was happy to relax a bit and enjoy his semi-final win over his great rival but will not take anything for granted against the Greek. "He's in great form," the Serbian said. "I think he matured as a player a lot. Clay (is) arguably his best surface. "We played an epic five-setter last year in the semis here. Yeah, I know it's going to be another tough one. "I'm hoping I can recharge my batteries as much as I can because I'm going to need some power and energy for that one."

French Open: After toppling Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic hopes to be ready for Stefanos Tsitsipas

Guarding Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal was packaged out of the claycourt Major by Novak Djokovic in the elimination rounds. The 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 loss checks simply the third time Rafael Nadal has lost at the French Open.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played some surprising tennis for the majority of their four-hour experience, however, it was the Serb's preeminent rawness and consistency that owned him eventually.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal, whose bid for a record-expanding fourteenth Roland Garros title reached a conclusion, conceded he was down and out by the loss. However, the Spaniard announced he would make an effort not to harp on the outcome.&nbsp;

"I'm sad, I lost at the most important tournament of the year for me," Rafael Nadal said in his post-match press conference. "But it's just a defeat on a tennis court you know, and tomorrow I'll be at home with my family. That's okay."

Rafael Nadal demands he can't rule at Roland Garros always and that he doesn't consider his loss to Novak Djokovic a "disaster".&nbsp;

"My opportunities to win here are not eternal, In our sport, you must admit both victory and defeat. I do know that I can't win the tournament 15, 18, 20 times. It's not a disaster at all" - he said&nbsp;

"Credit to him. What can I say? I won a lot here but I couldn't today, that's reality. Probably it was not my best day today, even if I fought. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I had a big chance. There were crazy points. The fatigue is there. Well done for him. A good fight for him. Tried my best. The better player deserved to win. He deserved it" - he added.

The Spaniard, who apparently endured a left lower leg issue late in the match, said he forgot about everything on the court. Rafael Nadal added that the conditions were slower than he was acquainted with however demanded that Novak Djokovic had adjusted better compared to him on the day.&nbsp;

"I left it all out there, physically and mentally. I can play better, that's reality. It was the evening, conditions were slower. It’s not an excuse, he adapted better, my shots don’t have the same oomph when it’s like that."

Rafael Nadal will turn a day and a half following year's Roland Garros. The Spaniard said he knew his odds of winning in Paris are lessening with time. However, World No. 3 is sure of getting back with a similar sort of power and demeanor one year from now.&nbsp;

"The years are going by and I know that there is a lesser chance with every year," Rafael Nadal said. "It is a very important tournament for me, but I am aware that you can’t win every time. I will come back next year with the same attitude and work before. I played against one of the best ever." 
&nbsp;

Guarding Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal was packaged out of the claycourt Major by Novak Djokovic in the elimination rounds. The 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 loss checks simply the third time Rafael Nadal has lost at the French Open.

Guarding Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal was packaged out of the claycourt Major by Novak Djokovic in the elimination rounds. The 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 loss checks simply the third time Rafael Nadal has lost at the French Open. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic played some surprising tennis for the majority of their four-hour experience, however, it was the Serb's preeminent rawness and consistency that owned him eventually. Rafael Nadal, whose bid for a record-expanding fourteenth Roland Garros title reached a conclusion, conceded he was down and out by the loss. However, the Spaniard announced he would make an effort not to harp on the outcome. "I'm sad, I lost at the most important tournament of the year for me," Rafael Nadal said in his post-match press conference. "But it's just a defeat on a tennis court you know, and tomorrow I'll be at home with my family. That's okay." Rafael Nadal demands he can't rule at Roland Garros always and that he doesn't consider his loss to Novak Djokovic a "disaster". "My opportunities to win here are not eternal, In our sport, you must admit both victory and defeat. I do know that I can't win the tournament 15, 18, 20 times. It's not a disaster at all" - he said "Credit to him. What can I say? I won a lot here but I couldn't today, that's reality. Probably it was not my best day today, even if I fought. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I had a big chance. There were crazy points. The fatigue is there. Well done for him. A good fight for him. Tried my best. The better player deserved to win. He deserved it" - he added. The Spaniard, who apparently endured a left lower leg issue late in the match, said he forgot about everything on the court. Rafael Nadal added that the conditions were slower than he was acquainted with however demanded that Novak Djokovic had adjusted better compared to him on the day. "I left it all out there, physically and mentally. I can play better, that's reality. It was the evening, conditions were slower. It’s not an excuse, he adapted better, my shots don’t have the same oomph when it’s like that." Rafael Nadal will turn a day and a half following year's Roland Garros. The Spaniard said he knew his odds of winning in Paris are lessening with time. However, World No. 3 is sure of getting back with a similar sort of power and demeanor one year from now. "The years are going by and I know that there is a lesser chance with every year," Rafael Nadal said. "It is a very important tournament for me, but I am aware that you can’t win every time. I will come back next year with the same attitude and work before. I played against one of the best ever."

French Open: In our sport, you must admit both victory and defeat: Rafael Nadal

'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal suffered his first defeat in Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 after being beaten by Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-topples-king-of-clay-nadal-in-french-open-semi-final-classic-390954" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic topples 'King of Clay' Nadal in French Open semi-final classic</a>

The Spaniard graciously accepted his defeat and felt that the Serb deserved his victory. Nadal's menacing top spin became less effective as the temperatures dropped.&nbsp;

World No. 1 Novak staged a comeback after losing the first five games to win 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 handing Nadal his third defeat here since his debut in 2005 and the first time in 115 best-of-five-set matches on clay that he had lost after taking the opening set.

"It is true that probably the conditions were a little bit slower later on. We had been playing (in) very warm (weather) and high bounces," Nadal told a news conference.

"During the night the situation goes a little bit the other way, no? So (the ball) bounces a little bit less. The ball gets less top spin. That's more favourable to him, the conditions.

"But it doesn't matter. That's tennis. The player who gets used to the conditions better is the player who deserves to win. So no doubt he deserved to win," added the Spaniard.

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I tried to give my best. Probably it was not my best day out there. Even if I fought, that I put a lot of effort (in), I mean, the position on the shots hasn't been that effective tonight," he said.

"Against a player like him who takes the ball early, you're not able to take him out of his positions. Then it is very difficult.

"Even like this, I had the big chance with set point, 6-5, second serve. That's it. Anything could happen in that moment.

"These kind of mistakes can happen. But if you want to win, you can't make these mistakes. So that's it.

"Well done for him. It has been a good fight out there. I tried my best and today was not my day."

'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal suffered his first defeat in Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 after being beaten by Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals on Friday.

'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal suffered his first defeat in Roland Garros for the first time since 2015 after being beaten by Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals on Friday. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic topples 'King of Clay' Nadal in French Open semi-final classic The Spaniard graciously accepted his defeat and felt that the Serb deserved his victory. Nadal's menacing top spin became less effective as the temperatures dropped. World No. 1 Novak staged a comeback after losing the first five games to win 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 handing Nadal his third defeat here since his debut in 2005 and the first time in 115 best-of-five-set matches on clay that he had lost after taking the opening set. "It is true that probably the conditions were a little bit slower later on. We had been playing (in) very warm (weather) and high bounces," Nadal told a news conference. "During the night the situation goes a little bit the other way, no? So (the ball) bounces a little bit less. The ball gets less top spin. That's more favourable to him, the conditions. "But it doesn't matter. That's tennis. The player who gets used to the conditions better is the player who deserves to win. So no doubt he deserved to win," added the Spaniard. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I tried to give my best. Probably it was not my best day out there. Even if I fought, that I put a lot of effort (in), I mean, the position on the shots hasn't been that effective tonight," he said. "Against a player like him who takes the ball early, you're not able to take him out of his positions. Then it is very difficult. "Even like this, I had the big chance with set point, 6-5, second serve. That's it. Anything could happen in that moment. "These kind of mistakes can happen. But if you want to win, you can't make these mistakes. So that's it. "Well done for him. It has been a good fight out there. I tried my best and today was not my day."

French Open: 'He deserved to win': Rafael Nadal after being knocked out by Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of mesmerised crowd on Friday.

The two warriors produced superhuman tennis as the 58th duel between them arguably rivalled anything they had conjured against each other since they first locked horns in 2006.

Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 14th&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title, won the first five games and looked on course to repeat his drubbing of the Serb in last year's final.

But world number one Djokovic seized the momentum, winning the second set and then edging a pulsating 97-minute third set on a tiebreak, having saved a set point.

The soccer-style atmosphere created by a crowd of around 5,000 inside Court Philippe Chatrier reached a crescendo towards the end of the third set as the Paris COVID-19 curfew loomed.

Thankfully, the Parisian authorities, reportedly after a request from&nbsp;French&nbsp;president Emmanuel Macron, granted an exemption to the 11pm cut-off, meaning a magnificent and brutal contest continued to be graced by a live audience.

But there was no reprieve for the 35-year-old Nadal as his seemingly inexhaustible resolve was finally broken.

He hung on like the champion he is but Djokovic, looking fresh despite slugging it out for four hours with the world's greatest ever claycourter, ruthlessly closed in.

After breaking a tiring Nadal's serve for a 4-2 lead in the fourth set, the end came quickly as the Serb inflicted a first defeat on Nadal at the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;since he beat him in the 2015 quarter-final.

Nadal's record at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 now stands at 105-3.

Djokovic will play Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final with the chance to not only add to his 2016&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title but also move to 19 Grand Slam titles, just one behind the men's record 20 held by Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic now leads his series with Nadal 30-28 but this win was perhaps the sweetest. While in 2015 his straight sets win was asterisked by the fact Nadal was struggling to recover from injuries, this time both players were at their best.

LOW-KEY CELEBRATION

His celebrations were low-key, however, such is the respect he holds for Nadal.

"First I want to say it is a privilege to be on this court with Rafael Nadal," Djokovic said on court.

"The biggest match I have ever played here in Paris. Also the best match with the best atmosphere for both players.

"To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis."

Nadal, whose only other defeat apart from the one to Djokovic came against Swede Robin Soderling in 2009 when he was suffering knee issues, was typically gracious in defeat.

"Well done for him. It was a good fight out there. I tried my best, and today was not my day," Nadal told reporters.

Any doubt that the duo's 17th meeting in a Grand Slam would live up to pre-match hype was erased during a sensational&nbsp;opening game which saw Nadal save break points before holding serve after eight electrifying minutes.

The Spaniard then went 5-0 ahead and Djokovic's fans might have been excused for covering their eyes as the memory of last year's final in which Nadal won the first set 6-0 flooded back.

Djokovic did not flinch, clawing back three games before Nadal took an hour-long&nbsp;opener on his sixth set point.

Though trailing, the 34-year-old Djokovic had established a foothold in the red dirt and shifted the momentum, breaking serve twice to take the second set.

Unbelievably, the ferocity of the tennis increased in the third set as the players wrestled for control in rally after brilliant rally.

Djokovic began to turn the screws and jogged to his chair after breaking serve at 2-2 when Nadal netted a dropshot.

It was the first time Djokovic had been in front but Nadal hit back immediately to break back with a forehand winner only to drop serve again as Djokovic moved 5-3 ahead.

With chants of "Rafa, Rafa" and "Nole, Nole" filling the night air, the match took another twist as Nadal found another gear to hit back and lead 6-5 and create a set point which Djokovic saved with am outrageous dropshot.

In the tiebreak Nadal double-faulted then had his head in his hands after fluffing a volley to hand Djokovic a 5-3 lead. Djokovic banged down an ace and duly took the set.

With the crowd allowed to stay, Nadal was re-energised at the start of the fourth, taking a 2-0 lead, but Djokovic clicked into gear and reeled off the final six games.

Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding French Open semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of mesmerised crowd on Friday.

Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding French Open semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of mesmerised crowd on Friday. The two warriors produced superhuman tennis as the 58th duel between them arguably rivalled anything they had conjured against each other since they first locked horns in 2006. Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 14th French Open title, won the first five games and looked on course to repeat his drubbing of the Serb in last year's final. But world number one Djokovic seized the momentum, winning the second set and then edging a pulsating 97-minute third set on a tiebreak, having saved a set point. The soccer-style atmosphere created by a crowd of around 5,000 inside Court Philippe Chatrier reached a crescendo towards the end of the third set as the Paris COVID-19 curfew loomed. Thankfully, the Parisian authorities, reportedly after a request from French president Emmanuel Macron, granted an exemption to the 11pm cut-off, meaning a magnificent and brutal contest continued to be graced by a live audience. But there was no reprieve for the 35-year-old Nadal as his seemingly inexhaustible resolve was finally broken. He hung on like the champion he is but Djokovic, looking fresh despite slugging it out for four hours with the world's greatest ever claycourter, ruthlessly closed in. After breaking a tiring Nadal's serve for a 4-2 lead in the fourth set, the end came quickly as the Serb inflicted a first defeat on Nadal at the French Open since he beat him in the 2015 quarter-final. Nadal's record at Roland Garros since winning the title on his debut in 2005 now stands at 105-3. Djokovic will play Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final with the chance to not only add to his 2016 French Open title but also move to 19 Grand Slam titles, just one behind the men's record 20 held by Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic now leads his series with Nadal 30-28 but this win was perhaps the sweetest. While in 2015 his straight sets win was asterisked by the fact Nadal was struggling to recover from injuries, this time both players were at their best. LOW-KEY CELEBRATION His celebrations were low-key, however, such is the respect he holds for Nadal. "First I want to say it is a privilege to be on this court with Rafael Nadal," Djokovic said on court. "The biggest match I have ever played here in Paris. Also the best match with the best atmosphere for both players. "To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis." Nadal, whose only other defeat apart from the one to Djokovic came against Swede Robin Soderling in 2009 when he was suffering knee issues, was typically gracious in defeat. "Well done for him. It was a good fight out there. I tried my best, and today was not my day," Nadal told reporters. Any doubt that the duo's 17th meeting in a Grand Slam would live up to pre-match hype was erased during a sensational opening game which saw Nadal save break points before holding serve after eight electrifying minutes. The Spaniard then went 5-0 ahead and Djokovic's fans might have been excused for covering their eyes as the memory of last year's final in which Nadal won the first set 6-0 flooded back. Djokovic did not flinch, clawing back three games before Nadal took an hour-long opener on his sixth set point. Though trailing, the 34-year-old Djokovic had established a foothold in the red dirt and shifted the momentum, breaking serve twice to take the second set. Unbelievably, the ferocity of the tennis increased in the third set as the players wrestled for control in rally after brilliant rally. Djokovic began to turn the screws and jogged to his chair after breaking serve at 2-2 when Nadal netted a dropshot. It was the first time Djokovic had been in front but Nadal hit back immediately to break back with a forehand winner only to drop serve again as Djokovic moved 5-3 ahead. With chants of "Rafa, Rafa" and "Nole, Nole" filling the night air, the match took another twist as Nadal found another gear to hit back and lead 6-5 and create a set point which Djokovic saved with am outrageous dropshot. In the tiebreak Nadal double-faulted then had his head in his hands after fluffing a volley to hand Djokovic a 5-3 lead. Djokovic banged down an ace and duly took the set. With the crowd allowed to stay, Nadal was re-energised at the start of the fourth, taking a 2-0 lead, but Djokovic clicked into gear and reeled off the final six games.

Novak Djokovic topples 'King of Clay' Nadal in French Open semi-final classic

A fired-up Novak Djokovic repelled a stirring fightback by Italian Matteo Berrettini to claim a 6-3 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 victory on Wednesday to set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with defending champion Rafa Nadal.

The 34-year-old bellowed a series of frightening roars after completing a victory that at one stage looked like a formality but became increasingly fraught as Berrettini threw the kitchen sink at the Serb who becomes only the second man to reach 40 Grand Slam semi-finals after Roger Federer.

It was a spectacular conclusion to a match that was watched by 5,000 fans until midway through the fourth set when Paris's COVID-19 curfew meant the crowd were obliged to leave.

Djokovic led 3-2 at the time and when battle resumed he suffered a nasty fall, grazing his hand, but sensed his chance when Berrettini served at 5-6.

The Italian ninth seed, saved a couple of match points, the second with a sizzling forehand winner, after which Djokovic screamed angrily at his entourage and kicked an advertising board in disgust.

He got the job done at the third time of asking when Berrettini netted at the end of another high-octane baseline exchange. Djokovic, eyes bulging, then roared again towards his box, the sound echoing around an empty Court Philippe Chatrier.

It was a manic ending and showed exactly how much Djokovic wants a second French Open title, having claimed his first in 2016 to complete his career Slam.

Since then Nadal has been unbeatable on the Parisian dirt, extending his record total to 13 titles and counting, the last coming last October when he thrashed Djokovic in the final.

Djokovic said booking another clash with Nadal had not been behind his extraordinary reaction at the end.

"This match had it all: falls, crowd, break," he told reporters. "It was a lot of intensity. I just felt under tension the entire time and missed some chances to end it in three.

"It was just super, super stressful to constantly be under pressure... the reaction in the end was just me liberating that tension that was building up for the entire match."

Top seed Djokovic was given a mighty scare against Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti on Monday, losing the first two sets, before steamrolling to victory.

It was much more straightforward, initially, against Berrettini as he broke for a 3-1 lead in the first set.

Berrettini was playing well but he failed to convert a break point when trailing 4-2 and after that the match was one-way traffic as Djokovic served up a clinical masterclass.

But Berrettini dug his heels in throughout the third set even though he could not fashion a break point.

With the tournament's first night-session crowd getting behind the 25-year-old, Berrettini extended Djokovic into a tiebreak and then upped the power, bombing down a couple of aces and some venomous forehands.

Djokovic had the match on his racket at 5-4, however, but a couple of uncharacteristic errors gave Berrettini a set point that he converted with another thudding forehand.

Energised, Berrettini looked increasingly dangerous but the drama was halted as the fans departed -- one defiantly staying put until forced to leave his seat.

After a 25-minute delay, in which the players left the court, games went with serve although it was far from comfortable for Djokovic who went flying face down into the dirt after being wrong-footed.

He dusted himself down and finished the job but the 18-time Grand Slam champion knew he had been in a tough battle and will need to find an even higher level when he locks horns with Nadal for the 58th time in their compelling career rivalry on Friday.

A fired-up Novak Djokovic repelled a stirring fightback by Italian Matteo Berrettini to claim a 6-3 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 victory on Wednesday to set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with defending champion Rafa Nadal.

A fired-up Novak Djokovic repelled a stirring fightback by Italian Matteo Berrettini to claim a 6-3 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5 victory on Wednesday to set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with defending champion Rafa Nadal. The 34-year-old bellowed a series of frightening roars after completing a victory that at one stage looked like a formality but became increasingly fraught as Berrettini threw the kitchen sink at the Serb who becomes only the second man to reach 40 Grand Slam semi-finals after Roger Federer. It was a spectacular conclusion to a match that was watched by 5,000 fans until midway through the fourth set when Paris's COVID-19 curfew meant the crowd were obliged to leave. Djokovic led 3-2 at the time and when battle resumed he suffered a nasty fall, grazing his hand, but sensed his chance when Berrettini served at 5-6. The Italian ninth seed, saved a couple of match points, the second with a sizzling forehand winner, after which Djokovic screamed angrily at his entourage and kicked an advertising board in disgust. He got the job done at the third time of asking when Berrettini netted at the end of another high-octane baseline exchange. Djokovic, eyes bulging, then roared again towards his box, the sound echoing around an empty Court Philippe Chatrier. It was a manic ending and showed exactly how much Djokovic wants a second French Open title, having claimed his first in 2016 to complete his career Slam. Since then Nadal has been unbeatable on the Parisian dirt, extending his record total to 13 titles and counting, the last coming last October when he thrashed Djokovic in the final. Djokovic said booking another clash with Nadal had not been behind his extraordinary reaction at the end. "This match had it all: falls, crowd, break," he told reporters. "It was a lot of intensity. I just felt under tension the entire time and missed some chances to end it in three. "It was just super, super stressful to constantly be under pressure... the reaction in the end was just me liberating that tension that was building up for the entire match." Top seed Djokovic was given a mighty scare against Italian teenager Lorenzo Musetti on Monday, losing the first two sets, before steamrolling to victory. It was much more straightforward, initially, against Berrettini as he broke for a 3-1 lead in the first set. Berrettini was playing well but he failed to convert a break point when trailing 4-2 and after that the match was one-way traffic as Djokovic served up a clinical masterclass. But Berrettini dug his heels in throughout the third set even though he could not fashion a break point. With the tournament's first night-session crowd getting behind the 25-year-old, Berrettini extended Djokovic into a tiebreak and then upped the power, bombing down a couple of aces and some venomous forehands. Djokovic had the match on his racket at 5-4, however, but a couple of uncharacteristic errors gave Berrettini a set point that he converted with another thudding forehand. Energised, Berrettini looked increasingly dangerous but the drama was halted as the fans departed -- one defiantly staying put until forced to leave his seat. After a 25-minute delay, in which the players left the court, games went with serve although it was far from comfortable for Djokovic who went flying face down into the dirt after being wrong-footed. He dusted himself down and finished the job but the 18-time Grand Slam champion knew he had been in a tough battle and will need to find an even higher level when he locks horns with Nadal for the 58th time in their compelling career rivalry on Friday.

French Open: Djokovic fights off Berrettini to set up Nadal semi-final

Novak Djokovic said facing Rafael Nadal for the 58th time on Friday, with a place in the French Open final on the line, will be "a great battle" against his "biggest ever rival".

Djokovic secured the eagerly-awaited clash when he reached his 40th Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 win over Italy's Matteo Berrettini.

It will be his 11th appearance in the last-four in Paris where he was champion in 2016.

Nadal, the 13-time winner, beat Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to make the semi-finals for the 14th time.

He will be playing in his 35th Slam semi.

"I'll probably pick Rafa as the biggest rival I've ever had in my career," said world number one Djokovic.

"The anticipation for the match against him, any match, any surface, any occasion, is always different from any other.

"Let's have a great battle."

Although Djokovic has the edge at 29-28 in their overall rivalry stretching back 15 years, Nadal enjoys a 7-1 record in their French Open meetings and is 19-7 overall on clay.

Djokovic's last win over the Spanish star on a clay court was in Rome five years ago.

Nadal's record in Paris now stands at 105 wins against just two losses.

One of those defeats, however, was at the hands of Djokovic in 2015.

<h2>- 'Release of emotions' -</h2>

With Djokovic's quarter-final extending beyond the national 11pm curfew, play was halted for around 20 minutes at 3-2 in the fourth set so that 5,000 fans could be funnelled out of Court Philippe Chatrier.

Djokovic eventually claimed the match on a third match point in the 12th game but only after he kicked out at an advertising board in frustration at missing the first two.

His scream into the humid night air told of his relief as his bid to win a 19th Grand Slam and be the first man in more than 50 years to claim all four majors twice stayed on course.

"It was a release of all the emotions I had kept inside me," said Djokovic who hit 44 winners and saved all three break points he faced against the Italian.

"After all the fans left and the little break it wasn't easy to find rhythm. It was really a very difficult match for me."

He added: "It was a great battle against a player who serves well and is powerful. Maybe I could have finished on the tie break, but I'm happy to have won."

Nadal also has a landmark in view in Paris.&nbsp;

If he gets to Sunday's final and wins, he would secure a record-setting 21st major, edging ahead of Roger Federer in the all-time race.

Wednesday's night session was the 10th and last at this year's tournament but was the first to allow in fans after the 9pm Covid-19 curfew was pushed back to 11pm.

The previous nine sessions were played in an empty Court Philippe Chatrier, not a good look for streaming giant Amazon who had secured the broadcast rights.

"I thought the atmosphere was Davis Cup like, to be honest," said Djokovic.

"It was a lot of fans involved, every single point cheering, screaming. Just electric atmosphere out there.&nbsp;

"I'm happy that I had that experience of playing in front of the crowd in the night session."

Novak Djokovic said facing Rafael Nadal for the 58th time on Friday, with a place in the French Open final on the line, will be "a great battle" against his "biggest ever rival".

Novak Djokovic said facing Rafael Nadal for the 58th time on Friday, with a place in the French Open final on the line, will be "a great battle" against his "biggest ever rival". Djokovic secured the eagerly-awaited clash when he reached his 40th Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 win over Italy's Matteo Berrettini. It will be his 11th appearance in the last-four in Paris where he was champion in 2016. Nadal, the 13-time winner, beat Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to make the semi-finals for the 14th time. He will be playing in his 35th Slam semi. "I'll probably pick Rafa as the biggest rival I've ever had in my career," said world number one Djokovic. "The anticipation for the match against him, any match, any surface, any occasion, is always different from any other. "Let's have a great battle." Although Djokovic has the edge at 29-28 in their overall rivalry stretching back 15 years, Nadal enjoys a 7-1 record in their French Open meetings and is 19-7 overall on clay. Djokovic's last win over the Spanish star on a clay court was in Rome five years ago. Nadal's record in Paris now stands at 105 wins against just two losses. One of those defeats, however, was at the hands of Djokovic in 2015. - 'Release of emotions' - With Djokovic's quarter-final extending beyond the national 11pm curfew, play was halted for around 20 minutes at 3-2 in the fourth set so that 5,000 fans could be funnelled out of Court Philippe Chatrier. Djokovic eventually claimed the match on a third match point in the 12th game but only after he kicked out at an advertising board in frustration at missing the first two. His scream into the humid night air told of his relief as his bid to win a 19th Grand Slam and be the first man in more than 50 years to claim all four majors twice stayed on course. "It was a release of all the emotions I had kept inside me," said Djokovic who hit 44 winners and saved all three break points he faced against the Italian. "After all the fans left and the little break it wasn't easy to find rhythm. It was really a very difficult match for me." He added: "It was a great battle against a player who serves well and is powerful. Maybe I could have finished on the tie break, but I'm happy to have won." Nadal also has a landmark in view in Paris. If he gets to Sunday's final and wins, he would secure a record-setting 21st major, edging ahead of Roger Federer in the all-time race. Wednesday's night session was the 10th and last at this year's tournament but was the first to allow in fans after the 9pm Covid-19 curfew was pushed back to 11pm. The previous nine sessions were played in an empty Court Philippe Chatrier, not a good look for streaming giant Amazon who had secured the broadcast rights. "I thought the atmosphere was Davis Cup like, to be honest," said Djokovic. "It was a lot of fans involved, every single point cheering, screaming. Just electric atmosphere out there. "I'm happy that I had that experience of playing in front of the crowd in the night session."

Tennis: Djokovic ready to face 'biggest rival' Nadal for 58th time

Claycourt king Rafael Nadal overcame a wobbly start and issues with the stadium lights to subdue Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Monday and book a place in the French Open quarter-finals.

The Spanish defending champion, looking to claim a record-extending 14th Roland Garros singles title and become the only man to win 21 Grand Slam singles crowns, has won 35 consecutive sets in Paris.

World number 19 Sinner, who at 19 years old has been labeled as the next big thing in&nbsp;tennis, hit a brick wall on Court Philippe Chatrier after leading 5-3 in the opening set.

Third seed Nadal will face Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals after beating the Argentine in the last four last year.

Although the sun shone throughout, part of the match was played under the floodlights.

"I think the lights went on too early. The court is covered from one side. When the sun was lower and hit the light, it created a shadow on the court. It was tricky," Nadal told a news conference.

"Honestly, I don't know why they put on the lights that early. We have been playing without lights here in Roland Garros forever."

The 20-times Grand Slam champion still produced his best&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;when it mattered most.

"I played against a very good player who has a great future and I'm very happy with the win," Nadal said.

"I started playing well the first couple of games and then I played too defensive for a few games and gave him the chance to step into the court and play his shots. After that, the match changed a lot."

Facing the ultimate challenge on clay, Sinner struggled to get into the groove before canceling out an early break as Nadal experienced problems with his first serve.

Sinner, who lost to the claycourt master in the quarter-finals here last year, found himself up a break after two Nadal double faults and a few uncharacteristic errors.

Serving for the set, however, Sinner lost the game to love and Nadal leveled at 5-5 on his opponent's 25th unforced error before breaking to love again to seal the opening set.

After losing eight games in a row, Sinner stopped the rot with a break, clinching it after rushing to the net to retrieve a drop shot and delivering a stunning crosscourt passing shot.

Nadal quickly recovered to break again, however, and he served out to take a two-set lead before securing his 104th match win at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard has not lost at the Paris Grand Slam tournament since 2015 when he was knocked out in the last eight by Novak Djokovic, his potential semi-final opponent.

Claycourt king Rafael Nadal overcame a wobbly start and issues with the stadium lights to subdue Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Monday and book a place in the French Open quarter-finals.

Claycourt king Rafael Nadal overcame a wobbly start and issues with the stadium lights to subdue Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Monday and book a place in the French Open quarter-finals. The Spanish defending champion, looking to claim a record-extending 14th Roland Garros singles title and become the only man to win 21 Grand Slam singles crowns, has won 35 consecutive sets in Paris. World number 19 Sinner, who at 19 years old has been labeled as the next big thing in tennis, hit a brick wall on Court Philippe Chatrier after leading 5-3 in the opening set. Third seed Nadal will face Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semi-finals after beating the Argentine in the last four last year. Although the sun shone throughout, part of the match was played under the floodlights. "I think the lights went on too early. The court is covered from one side. When the sun was lower and hit the light, it created a shadow on the court. It was tricky," Nadal told a news conference. "Honestly, I don't know why they put on the lights that early. We have been playing without lights here in Roland Garros forever." The 20-times Grand Slam champion still produced his best tennis when it mattered most. "I played against a very good player who has a great future and I'm very happy with the win," Nadal said. "I started playing well the first couple of games and then I played too defensive for a few games and gave him the chance to step into the court and play his shots. After that, the match changed a lot." Facing the ultimate challenge on clay, Sinner struggled to get into the groove before canceling out an early break as Nadal experienced problems with his first serve. Sinner, who lost to the claycourt master in the quarter-finals here last year, found himself up a break after two Nadal double faults and a few uncharacteristic errors. Serving for the set, however, Sinner lost the game to love and Nadal leveled at 5-5 on his opponent's 25th unforced error before breaking to love again to seal the opening set. After losing eight games in a row, Sinner stopped the rot with a break, clinching it after rushing to the net to retrieve a drop shot and delivering a stunning crosscourt passing shot. Nadal quickly recovered to break again, however, and he served out to take a two-set lead before securing his 104th match win at Roland Garros. The Spaniard has not lost at the Paris Grand Slam tournament since 2015 when he was knocked out in the last eight by Novak Djokovic, his potential semi-final opponent.

French Open: Merciless Rafael Nadal marches into the quarter-finals

World number one and former champion Ashleigh Barty limped out of Roland Garros on Thursday, throwing the battle for the women's title wide open as Rafael Nadal prepared to celebrate his 35th birthday inside an empty stadium.

Top seed Barty, already suffering from a left hip injury, retired injured midway through the second set of her second-round match against Poland's 45th-ranked Magda Linette.

The Australian, who won the title on her last visit to Roland Garros in 2019, left the court for medical treatment after losing the first set 6-1.

She then called it quits at 2-2 in the second set on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"It's heartbreaking," Barty said. "It's a miracle I got past the first round."

"We did absolutely everything we could to give myself a chance. It sucks."

The 25-year-old's withdrawal leaves the tournament already without the world's top three-ranked women's players.

World number two Naomi Osaka pulled out following a media boycott, saying she has suffered "bouts of depression" for three years.

Third-ranked Simona Halep, the 2018 French Open winner, withdrew before the event with injury.

That leaves world number four Aryna Sabalenka as the top remaining player in the draw.

Linette goes on to face Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian 25th seed who eased past Australian wild card Astra Sharma 6-2, 6-4.

Fourth seed Sofia Kenin, the 2020 runner-up, saw off American compatriot Hailey Baptiste 7-5, 6-3.

Three-time quarter-finalist and fifth seed Elina Svitolina was similarly untroubled against Ann Li of the United States, winning 6-0, 6-4.

However, ninth seed Karolina Pliskova exited at the hands of 2018 runner-up Sloane Stephens as the 59th-ranked American won 7-5, 6-1.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Nadal dominant -</h2>

&nbsp;

World number three Nadal, bidding for a 14th French Open and record-setting 21st Grand Slam title, faces Richard Gasquet, a player he first met when they were 12 years old.

However, schedulers have handed the Spaniard the evening session, leaving his 35th birthday party celebrations a little flat as the match clashes with a 9pm Covid-19 curfew and a spectator ban.

Gasquet won his first junior clash against Nadal at the Petits As tournament in France in 1999.

Sadly for him, that was as good as it would ever get.

On the ATP Tour, Nadal has monopolised their head-to-head and leads 16-0.

"I don't have many French Opens left to play so I want to make the most of it," said Gasquet who made his debut at the tournament back in 2002.

Gael Monfils' 6-0, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 defeat by Mikel Ymer of Sweden means Gasquet would have to beat Nadal to avoid the hosts suffering their worst year in men's singles since 1968.

Roger Federer, also the winner of 20 Slams, renews his rivalry with Marin Cilic.

The Swiss star leads their head-to-head 9-1 with Cilic's only win coming in the semi-finals of the 2014 US Open when he went on to claim his only Grand Slam title.

Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, made the second round with a straight sets win against Uzbek qualifier Denis Istomin.

It was just his second win in 2021 and first at a major since losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2020 Australian Open semi-finals.

Top seed and world number one Djokovic is also in a battle of the over 30s as he faces Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas.

Djokovic, the 2016 champion, is bidding to become the first man in more than half a century to win all four Slams more than once.

<h2>- Alcaraz record -</h2>

At the other end of the spectrum is 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz who on Monday became the youngest player to win a match at Roland Garros since Djokovic in 2005.

If the Spaniard beats 28th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, he will be the youngest man to reach the French Open last 32 since Andrei Medvedev in 1992.

Two Italian teens made it through with 18th seeded Jannik Sinner seeing off compatriot Gianluca Mager while highly-rated Lorenzo Musetti put out Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka.

Defending women's champion Iga Swiatek takes on Sweden's Rebecca Peterson.

Swiatek has hit with Nadal this week, a meeting which made her so nervous that the Pole prepared a list of helpful conversation starters should she get tongue-tied.

World number one and former champion Ashleigh Barty limped out of Roland Garros on Thursday, throwing the battle for the women's title wide open as Rafael Nadal prepared to celebrate his 35th birthday inside an empty stadium.

World number one and former champion Ashleigh Barty limped out of Roland Garros on Thursday, throwing the battle for the women's title wide open as Rafael Nadal prepared to celebrate his 35th birthday inside an empty stadium. Top seed Barty, already suffering from a left hip injury, retired injured midway through the second set of her second-round match against Poland's 45th-ranked Magda Linette. The Australian, who won the title on her last visit to Roland Garros in 2019, left the court for medical treatment after losing the first set 6-1. She then called it quits at 2-2 in the second set on Court Philippe Chatrier. "It's heartbreaking," Barty said. "It's a miracle I got past the first round." "We did absolutely everything we could to give myself a chance. It sucks." The 25-year-old's withdrawal leaves the tournament already without the world's top three-ranked women's players. World number two Naomi Osaka pulled out following a media boycott, saying she has suffered "bouts of depression" for three years. Third-ranked Simona Halep, the 2018 French Open winner, withdrew before the event with injury. That leaves world number four Aryna Sabalenka as the top remaining player in the draw. Linette goes on to face Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian 25th seed who eased past Australian wild card Astra Sharma 6-2, 6-4. Fourth seed Sofia Kenin, the 2020 runner-up, saw off American compatriot Hailey Baptiste 7-5, 6-3. Three-time quarter-finalist and fifth seed Elina Svitolina was similarly untroubled against Ann Li of the United States, winning 6-0, 6-4. However, ninth seed Karolina Pliskova exited at the hands of 2018 runner-up Sloane Stephens as the 59th-ranked American won 7-5, 6-1. - Nadal dominant - World number three Nadal, bidding for a 14th French Open and record-setting 21st Grand Slam title, faces Richard Gasquet, a player he first met when they were 12 years old. However, schedulers have handed the Spaniard the evening session, leaving his 35th birthday party celebrations a little flat as the match clashes with a 9pm Covid-19 curfew and a spectator ban. Gasquet won his first junior clash against Nadal at the Petits As tournament in France in 1999. Sadly for him, that was as good as it would ever get. On the ATP Tour, Nadal has monopolised their head-to-head and leads 16-0. "I don't have many French Opens left to play so I want to make the most of it," said Gasquet who made his debut at the tournament back in 2002. Gael Monfils' 6-0, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 defeat by Mikel Ymer of Sweden means Gasquet would have to beat Nadal to avoid the hosts suffering their worst year in men's singles since 1968. Roger Federer, also the winner of 20 Slams, renews his rivalry with Marin Cilic. The Swiss star leads their head-to-head 9-1 with Cilic's only win coming in the semi-finals of the 2014 US Open when he went on to claim his only Grand Slam title. Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris, made the second round with a straight sets win against Uzbek qualifier Denis Istomin. It was just his second win in 2021 and first at a major since losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2020 Australian Open semi-finals. Top seed and world number one Djokovic is also in a battle of the over 30s as he faces Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas. Djokovic, the 2016 champion, is bidding to become the first man in more than half a century to win all four Slams more than once. - Alcaraz record - At the other end of the spectrum is 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz who on Monday became the youngest player to win a match at Roland Garros since Djokovic in 2005. If the Spaniard beats 28th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, he will be the youngest man to reach the French Open last 32 since Andrei Medvedev in 1992. Two Italian teens made it through with 18th seeded Jannik Sinner seeing off compatriot Gianluca Mager while highly-rated Lorenzo Musetti put out Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka. Defending women's champion Iga Swiatek takes on Sweden's Rebecca Peterson. Swiatek has hit with Nadal this week, a meeting which made her so nervous that the Pole prepared a list of helpful conversation starters should she get tongue-tied.

Tennis: Barty limps out of French Open as Nadal set for lonely 35th birthday

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will set their sights on more Grand Slam history at Roland Garros as the French Open embraces a new and eerily empty era of night time tennis.

A 14th title in Paris for Nadal would take him to a record-setting 21st major, surpassing the mark he shares with Roger Federer who has already written off his hopes of adding to his lone success in the French capital back in 2009.

Djokovic, the champion in 2016, can move to 19 Grand Slam titles with victory.

That would make the world number one the first man in over half a century to win all four majors on multiple occasions.

Nadal arrives in Paris buoyed by having defeated Djokovic in the Rome Masters final in what was the pair's 57th meeting.

It was Nadal's 10th title in the Italian capital.

Not that he was reading too much into the statistics as far as Roland Garros is concerned.

"I think I can work on a couple of things that I can do a little bit better," he insisted.

<h2>- 'Work right way' -</h2>

"I just need to keep going. I know what I need to work on and I'm going to do it. Work, relax mentally, and work the right way."

At last year's delayed Roland Garros, Nadal swept past Djokovic in straight sets in the final.

It was Nadal's 100th win at the tournament against just two losses since his 2005 title-winning debut.

Giving Djokovic hope, however, is the knowledge that he was responsible for one of those losses, in the 2015 quarter-finals.

He is also a four-time runner-up although three of those defeats in the championship match came against the Spaniard.

Only two men have previously managed to win all four of the Slams on more than one occasion -- Roy Emerson and Rod Laver of Australia.

Laver's achievement came back in 1969.

"I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris, but of course it's a long shot," said Djokovic who captured the season's first Grand Slam title in Australia for a ninth time in February.

Federer, with his 40th birthday fast approaching, remains the sentimental favourite but his priority will be an assault on Wimbledon where he has been champion eight times.

<h2>- Chasing pack -</h2>

"I'm not so sure in the last 50 years of the French Open, somebody just rocks up at nearly 40 years old, being out for a year and a half, and wins everything straight," said Federer after losing his only clay court match this year in Geneva last week.

Of the chasing pack, two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem is low on form and confidence.

A run to the Madrid semi-finals was followed by a straight sets defeat to Cameron Norrie in his Lyon opener.

World number two Daniil Medvedev has yet to win a match at Roland Garros in four attempts.

In Rome, he fell at the first hurdle and half-jokingly pleaded with the referee to disqualify him such is his dislike for clay.

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas is the most likely man to upset the odds of Nadal and Djokovic again making the final.

The 22-year-old Greek won the prestigious Monte Carlo clay court title in April, had match point before losing the Barcelona final to Nadal and then lifted the Lyon trophy.

He has beaten Nadal on clay in Madrid in 2019 and stretched Djokovic to five sets at the 2020 French Open semi-finals.

This year's Roland Garros will be the second taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus.

Just over 5,000 fans a day will be allowed on site until June 9 when that figure rises to 13,000.

For the first time this year, there will be nine evening sessions at the tournament.

However, a Covid-19 curfew from 9pm means that eight of those sessions will be played out inside an empty Court Philippe Chatrier.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will set their sights on more Grand Slam history at Roland Garros as the French Open embraces a new and eerily empty era of night time tennis.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will set their sights on more Grand Slam history at Roland Garros as the French Open embraces a new and eerily empty era of night time tennis. A 14th title in Paris for Nadal would take him to a record-setting 21st major, surpassing the mark he shares with Roger Federer who has already written off his hopes of adding to his lone success in the French capital back in 2009. Djokovic, the champion in 2016, can move to 19 Grand Slam titles with victory. That would make the world number one the first man in over half a century to win all four majors on multiple occasions. Nadal arrives in Paris buoyed by having defeated Djokovic in the Rome Masters final in what was the pair's 57th meeting. It was Nadal's 10th title in the Italian capital. Not that he was reading too much into the statistics as far as Roland Garros is concerned. "I think I can work on a couple of things that I can do a little bit better," he insisted. - 'Work right way' - "I just need to keep going. I know what I need to work on and I'm going to do it. Work, relax mentally, and work the right way." At last year's delayed Roland Garros, Nadal swept past Djokovic in straight sets in the final. It was Nadal's 100th win at the tournament against just two losses since his 2005 title-winning debut. Giving Djokovic hope, however, is the knowledge that he was responsible for one of those losses, in the 2015 quarter-finals. He is also a four-time runner-up although three of those defeats in the championship match came against the Spaniard. Only two men have previously managed to win all four of the Slams on more than one occasion -- Roy Emerson and Rod Laver of Australia. Laver's achievement came back in 1969. "I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris, but of course it's a long shot," said Djokovic who captured the season's first Grand Slam title in Australia for a ninth time in February. Federer, with his 40th birthday fast approaching, remains the sentimental favourite but his priority will be an assault on Wimbledon where he has been champion eight times. - Chasing pack - "I'm not so sure in the last 50 years of the French Open, somebody just rocks up at nearly 40 years old, being out for a year and a half, and wins everything straight," said Federer after losing his only clay court match this year in Geneva last week. Of the chasing pack, two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem is low on form and confidence. A run to the Madrid semi-finals was followed by a straight sets defeat to Cameron Norrie in his Lyon opener. World number two Daniil Medvedev has yet to win a match at Roland Garros in four attempts. In Rome, he fell at the first hurdle and half-jokingly pleaded with the referee to disqualify him such is his dislike for clay. World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas is the most likely man to upset the odds of Nadal and Djokovic again making the final. The 22-year-old Greek won the prestigious Monte Carlo clay court title in April, had match point before losing the Barcelona final to Nadal and then lifted the Lyon trophy. He has beaten Nadal on clay in Madrid in 2019 and stretched Djokovic to five sets at the 2020 French Open semi-finals. This year's Roland Garros will be the second taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus. Just over 5,000 fans a day will be allowed on site until June 9 when that figure rises to 13,000. For the first time this year, there will be nine evening sessions at the tournament. However, a Covid-19 curfew from 9pm means that eight of those sessions will be played out inside an empty Court Philippe Chatrier.

Tennis: Nadal, Djokovic eye history as Roland Garros embraces quiet night in

Novak Djokovic admitted Sunday that he's "a long shot" to win Roland Garros where he would likely have to dethrone rival and 13-time Paris champion Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic may be world number one, but it's Nadal who is the undisputed king of clay in the French capital where he has lost just twice in 102 matches since 2005.

On Sunday, Djokovic again felt the full, raw power of Nadal on clay as the Spaniard clinched a 10th Italian Open title with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-3&nbsp;win in the final.

In the pair's 57th meeting, the victory also took Nadal level with his Serb rival on 36 Masters 1000 titles.

"Going into Paris brings me a good sensation," insisted Djokovic despite a roller-coaster clay court swing which yielded a round-of-16 exit in Monte Carlo and a semi-final loss on home ground in Belgrade.

Nadal, by comparison, has two titles in Rome and Barcelona but sobering quarter-final losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

"I actually now started to feel like I actually want to feel on clay," added Djokovic.

"So I think if I manage to play the way I played last night (against Lorenzo Sonego in a three-set semi-final) and today, I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris.&nbsp;

"Of course it's a long shot."

Djokovic has 18 Grand Slam titles to his name -- two behind the record of 20 shared by Nadal and Roger Federer.

However, only one of those has been captured at Roland Garros, in 2016 when Nadal withdrew with a wrist injury after the second round.

Djokovic was swept aside by Nadal in the 2020 final.

Before that, he had lost three other finals in Paris, two also to Nadal and one against Stan Wawrinka.

However, Djokovic still has a place in the record books to target as he hopes to become the first man in over half a century, and just the third in history, to win all four majors more than once.

Also, he remains just one of two men to beat Nadal at the French Open, in the last-eight in 2015.

For Nadal, Roland Garros, which gets underway on May 30, means a chance for a 14th Paris title and record 21st Grand Slam crown.

"I really wanted this title," Nadal, 34, said Sunday after winning his 10th Rome trophy.

"This had been one of the first important titles I won in my career. I'd won 10 in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Roland Garros and really wanted this one too."

Djokovic will play on home clay again in Belgrade the week before Roland Garros.

Nadal will head home to Mallorca to fine-tune his game.

"I think I have been improving this week, but I need to keep going with that improvement," he said Sunday.

"When you improve and you're able to do it every day for a longer time, then you feel more confident and more safe."

Novak Djokovic admitted Sunday that he's "a long shot" to win Roland Garros where he would likely have to dethrone rival and 13-time Paris champion Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic admitted Sunday that he's "a long shot" to win Roland Garros where he would likely have to dethrone rival and 13-time Paris champion Rafael Nadal. Djokovic may be world number one, but it's Nadal who is the undisputed king of clay in the French capital where he has lost just twice in 102 matches since 2005. On Sunday, Djokovic again felt the full, raw power of Nadal on clay as the Spaniard clinched a 10th Italian Open title with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 win in the final. In the pair's 57th meeting, the victory also took Nadal level with his Serb rival on 36 Masters 1000 titles. "Going into Paris brings me a good sensation," insisted Djokovic despite a roller-coaster clay court swing which yielded a round-of-16 exit in Monte Carlo and a semi-final loss on home ground in Belgrade. Nadal, by comparison, has two titles in Rome and Barcelona but sobering quarter-final losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid. "I actually now started to feel like I actually want to feel on clay," added Djokovic. "So I think if I manage to play the way I played last night (against Lorenzo Sonego in a three-set semi-final) and today, I think I have a good chance to go all the way in Paris. "Of course it's a long shot." Djokovic has 18 Grand Slam titles to his name -- two behind the record of 20 shared by Nadal and Roger Federer. However, only one of those has been captured at Roland Garros, in 2016 when Nadal withdrew with a wrist injury after the second round. Djokovic was swept aside by Nadal in the 2020 final. Before that, he had lost three other finals in Paris, two also to Nadal and one against Stan Wawrinka. However, Djokovic still has a place in the record books to target as he hopes to become the first man in over half a century, and just the third in history, to win all four majors more than once. Also, he remains just one of two men to beat Nadal at the French Open, in the last-eight in 2015. For Nadal, Roland Garros, which gets underway on May 30, means a chance for a 14th Paris title and record 21st Grand Slam crown. "I really wanted this title," Nadal, 34, said Sunday after winning his 10th Rome trophy. "This had been one of the first important titles I won in my career. I'd won 10 in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Roland Garros and really wanted this one too." Djokovic will play on home clay again in Belgrade the week before Roland Garros. Nadal will head home to Mallorca to fine-tune his game. "I think I have been improving this week, but I need to keep going with that improvement," he said Sunday. "When you improve and you're able to do it every day for a longer time, then you feel more confident and more safe."

Djokovic admits 'long shot' to beat Nadal at Roland Garros

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday.

The Spaniard won the first four games in the first set and saved all eight break points he faced in the second to continue his pursuit of the 10th title in Rome.

The convincing two-hour victory was appreciated by Nadal, who snapped a three-match losing skid to Zverev -- including a straight-set defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open last week.

"I think I played more solid than in Madrid. At the same time, conditions are different," said Nadal, who was referring to the high altitude of the Spanish capital.

"In Madrid, he was able to create a lot of damage with his serve and then with the first shot. Here, the situation is a little bit different. (These are) a little bit more normal conditions on the clay, so I was able to control a little bit more the game than in Madrid."\

Nadal, 34, benefited from six aces to dispatch Zverev, who won the tournament in Madrid.

Nadal will face Reilly Opelka, who advanced to his first Masters semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (2) victory over Argentine Federico Delbonis on Friday.

"(I will face) a big chance against a player who has almost an unreturnable serve. (Reilly) is playing well," Nadal said. "I need to be very focused with my serve and then try to be ready to accept (the situation) and be (engaged) on the return. That is what I am looking for."

The 6-foot-11 Opelka recorded 18 aces and saved all four break points he faced to win his match in one hour and 41 minutes.

"I am surprised (to reach my first Masters 1000 semifinal here). Clay is not really my thing," the 47th-ranked Opelka said in his post-match interview. "(It is) not much of an American thing. It is probably just a fluke, but I'll run with it."

Top seed and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece was suspended due to rain with the latter leading 6-4, 2-1 and up a break in the second set. The match will resume on Saturday.

Russian Andrey Rublev's match versus Italian Lorenzo Sonego didn't get started.

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday.

Second-seeded Rafael Nadal raced out to a quick start and posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over sixth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday. The Spaniard won the first four games in the first set and saved all eight break points he faced in the second to continue his pursuit of the 10th title in Rome. The convincing two-hour victory was appreciated by Nadal, who snapped a three-match losing skid to Zverev -- including a straight-set defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open last week. "I think I played more solid than in Madrid. At the same time, conditions are different," said Nadal, who was referring to the high altitude of the Spanish capital. "In Madrid, he was able to create a lot of damage with his serve and then with the first shot. Here, the situation is a little bit different. (These are) a little bit more normal conditions on the clay, so I was able to control a little bit more the game than in Madrid."\ Nadal, 34, benefited from six aces to dispatch Zverev, who won the tournament in Madrid. Nadal will face Reilly Opelka, who advanced to his first Masters semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (2) victory over Argentine Federico Delbonis on Friday. "(I will face) a big chance against a player who has almost an unreturnable serve. (Reilly) is playing well," Nadal said. "I need to be very focused with my serve and then try to be ready to accept (the situation) and be (engaged) on the return. That is what I am looking for." The 6-foot-11 Opelka recorded 18 aces and saved all four break points he faced to win his match in one hour and 41 minutes. "I am surprised (to reach my first Masters 1000 semifinal here). Clay is not really my thing," the 47th-ranked Opelka said in his post-match interview. "(It is) not much of an American thing. It is probably just a fluke, but I'll run with it." Top seed and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece was suspended due to rain with the latter leading 6-4, 2-1 and up a break in the second set. The match will resume on Saturday. Russian Andrey Rublev's match versus Italian Lorenzo Sonego didn't get started.

Fast start fuels Rafael Nadal to victory in Rome

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico.

His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up.

Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point.

"After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid.&nbsp;

"Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too."

Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final.

Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico.

"It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year.

The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday.

"It's tough to accept I'm already out.

"If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad."

<h2>- Medvedev clay woes continue -</h2>

Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two.

Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19.

Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round.

Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round.

US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open.

Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4.

"It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem.&nbsp;

"I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it."

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round.

Rafael Nadal opened his attempt to win a 10th Italian Open title on Wednesday with a straight sets victory over teenager Jannik Sinner to advance to the third round. The 20-time Grand Slam winner won through 7-5, 6-4 in two-hours 10-minutes to bring his record to 16-1 in his opening matches in the Foro Italico. His 18th-ranked Italian opponent had dug deep to try and pull off an upset, saving six set points in the first set in which he had been twice a break up. Sinner was again a break up in the second before Nadal powered back for 4-4 seeing off the 19-year-old on his fourth match point. "After Madrid it was important to start with a positive feeling," said Nadal, who was beaten in the last eight at both previous Masters events, in Monte Carlo and Madrid. "Today was a tough match. I think I did a lot of things well. I made mistakes too but combined these with positive things too." Nadal, 34, next plays Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 13th seed, for a place in the quarter-final. Top seed Novak Djokovic and second seed Nadal have accounted for 14 of the past 16 titles at Foro Italico. "It's a lesson that's tough to accept," said Sinner, who also lost to Nadal in the quarter-final Roland Garros last year. The teenager had been hoping to benefit from the presence of the home crowd in later rounds with a 25 percent capacity allowed from Thursday. "It's tough to accept I'm already out. "If I'd won today there would have been a bit of a crowd tomorrow and I love to play on front of the crowd. I'm disappointed and sad." - Medvedev clay woes continue - Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who replaced Nadal this week as world number two, fell 6-2, 6-4 to 27th-ranked compatriot Aslan Karatsev in round two. Medvedev also exited early in Madrid last week after pulling out of Monte Carlo after testing positive for Covid-19. Karatsev, who won his first ATP title in Dubai in March, next plays American Reilly Opelka, ranked 47th, in the third round. Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to battle past Hungary's Marton Fucsovics into the third round. US Open champion Thiem, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, won 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 in 2hr 33min against 44th-ranked Fucsovics in the clay-court tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open. Thiem, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, will next play Italian Lorenzo Sonego who beat wildcard Gianluca Mager 6-4, 6-4. "It was tough the whole match. I was struggling with the timing a little bit," said Thiem. "I was fighting a lot with myself but kept fighting from the first to the last point. That paid off today, and I'm super happy about it." Sixth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 2017 Rome winner, eased past Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-2 to set up a third round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori. Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to a third round meeting with Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini.

Nadal off to winning start in 10th Italian Open title bid

Two-time Olympic champion Rafael Nadal on Tuesday became the latest top tennis player to admit that he had not yet decided whether he would participate in the Tokyo Games this summer, still giving himself time to decide according to "circumstances".

The 34-year-old Spaniard won gold in the singles in Beijing in 2008, adding another gold in the doubles with Marc Lopez in Rio de Janeiro five years ago.

"In a normal world I would never consider missing the Olympics. There is no doubt about that," he said at a press conference ahead of his opening match at the Italian Open.

"Everybody knows how important the Olympics are for me.

"Under these circumstances, I don't know. Let's see what's going on in the next couple of months. But I need to organise my schedule.&nbsp;

"I don't know yet. Honestly I can't give you a clear answer because I don't know.&nbsp;

"In a normal year, I know my schedule almost 100 percent from January 1 until the end of the season. This year is a little bit different, no?

"We need to be flexible. We need to adapt to the things that are happening. I don't know, I can't give you an accurate answer. Sorry."

Nadal is the latest top tennis star to voice his concerns about the Tokyo Games.&nbsp;

On Monday, Serena Williams said she was undecided about going to the Olympics while Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have both raised concerns about whether Tokyo should be hosting the Games at all.

"I'm an athlete, and of course my immediate thought is that I want to play in the Olympics," Osaka told the BBC.

"But as a human, I would say we're in a pandemic, and if people aren't healthy, and if they're not feeling safe, then it's definitely a really big cause for concern."

The Olympics, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus, are due to run from July 23 to August 8.

Two-time Olympic champion Rafael Nadal on Tuesday became the latest top tennis player to admit that he had not yet decided whether he would participate in the Tokyo Games this summer, still giving himself time to decide according to "circumstances".

Two-time Olympic champion Rafael Nadal on Tuesday became the latest top tennis player to admit that he had not yet decided whether he would participate in the Tokyo Games this summer, still giving himself time to decide according to "circumstances". The 34-year-old Spaniard won gold in the singles in Beijing in 2008, adding another gold in the doubles with Marc Lopez in Rio de Janeiro five years ago. "In a normal world I would never consider missing the Olympics. There is no doubt about that," he said at a press conference ahead of his opening match at the Italian Open. "Everybody knows how important the Olympics are for me. "Under these circumstances, I don't know. Let's see what's going on in the next couple of months. But I need to organise my schedule. "I don't know yet. Honestly I can't give you a clear answer because I don't know. "In a normal year, I know my schedule almost 100 percent from January 1 until the end of the season. This year is a little bit different, no? "We need to be flexible. We need to adapt to the things that are happening. I don't know, I can't give you an accurate answer. Sorry." Nadal is the latest top tennis star to voice his concerns about the Tokyo Games. On Monday, Serena Williams said she was undecided about going to the Olympics while Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have both raised concerns about whether Tokyo should be hosting the Games at all. "I'm an athlete, and of course my immediate thought is that I want to play in the Olympics," Osaka told the BBC. "But as a human, I would say we're in a pandemic, and if people aren't healthy, and if they're not feeling safe, then it's definitely a really big cause for concern." The Olympics, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus, are due to run from July 23 to August 8.

Hesitant Nadal joins chorus of concern about Olympics

Rafa Nadal was knocked out of the Madrid Open quarter-finals stage 6-4 6-4 by German Alex Zverev on Friday.

Nadal, a five-time winner in the Spanish capital, was the favourite and top seed having lifted the Barcelona Open trophy last month but played below par on a sweltering spring day.

Zverev struggled in the opening exchanges, finding himself 4-2 down before breaking Nadal twice to turn the match on its head and take the first set.

The fifth-seeded German then powered ahead in the second, breaking Nadal's serve again and holding out to seal a career-first win on clay against the Spaniard.

He will take on third seed Dominic Thiem in Saturday's semi-final after the Austrian overcame John Isner 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Later on Friday, Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan plays fellow qualifier, Casper Ruud, from Norway while eighth seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy faces Chilean 16th seed, Cristian Garin.

Rafa Nadal was knocked out of the Madrid Open quarter-finals stage 6-4 6-4 by German Alex Zverev on Friday. Nadal, a five-time winner in the Spanish capital, was the favourite and top seed having lifted the Barcelona Open trophy last month but played below par on a sweltering spring day.

Rafa Nadal was knocked out of the Madrid Open quarter-finals stage 6-4 6-4 by German Alex Zverev on Friday. Nadal, a five-time winner in the Spanish capital, was the favourite and top seed having lifted the Barcelona Open trophy last month but played below par on a sweltering spring day. Zverev struggled in the opening exchanges, finding himself 4-2 down before breaking Nadal twice to turn the match on its head and take the first set. The fifth-seeded German then powered ahead in the second, breaking Nadal's serve again and holding out to seal a career-first win on clay against the Spaniard. He will take on third seed Dominic Thiem in Saturday's semi-final after the Austrian overcame John Isner 3-6 6-3 6-4. Later on Friday, Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan plays fellow qualifier, Casper Ruud, from Norway while eighth seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy faces Chilean 16th seed, Cristian Garin.

Rafa Nadal defeated by Zverev in Madrid Open quarters

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open.

Top seed Nadal, an 11-time champion in Barcelona, eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over world number 13 Carreno Busta in 90 minutes.

It was Nadal's eighth win in eight meetings against his 29-year-old Davis Cup teammate and his 65th in Barcelona.

"Tomorrow will be a very tough one. Stefanos is playing probably better than ever," said Nadal, who broke serve four times and hit 13 forehand winners in the semi-final.

"Not one set lost in Monte Carlo and here, so it will be the toughest opponent possible. I hope to be ready. It is going to be a tough one, but I need to be ready to increase my level and let's see."

He added: "I'm very happy to be back in a final here at an historic event, a home event, an important one for me."

Nadal defeated Tsitsipas in the 2018 Barcelona final for the loss of just three games.

However, world number five Tsitsipas beat Nadal on clay in the Madrid semi-finals in 2019.

The 22-year-old Greek then recovered from two sets to love down to defeat Nadal in the last eight at the Australian Open in February.

Tsitsipas, winner of his first Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo last week, booked his place in a second successive final when he beat Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in his semi-final on Saturday.

"It feels great to be back in the final. I will try to redeem myself from last time," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas could only convert one of six break points in the first set but it was enough for him to take it in 41 minutes.

He had to save two break points at 1-2 in the second before going on to break Sinner twice to seal the match.

Tsitsipas has now won nine straight matches without dropping a single set.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open. Top seed Nadal, an 11-time champion in Barcelona, eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over world number 13 Carreno Busta in 90 minutes. It was Nadal's eighth win in eight meetings against his 29-year-old Davis Cup teammate and his 65th in Barcelona. "Tomorrow will be a very tough one. Stefanos is playing probably better than ever," said Nadal, who broke serve four times and hit 13 forehand winners in the semi-final. "Not one set lost in Monte Carlo and here, so it will be the toughest opponent possible. I hope to be ready. It is going to be a tough one, but I need to be ready to increase my level and let's see." He added: "I'm very happy to be back in a final here at an historic event, a home event, an important one for me." Nadal defeated Tsitsipas in the 2018 Barcelona final for the loss of just three games. However, world number five Tsitsipas beat Nadal on clay in the Madrid semi-finals in 2019. The 22-year-old Greek then recovered from two sets to love down to defeat Nadal in the last eight at the Australian Open in February. Tsitsipas, winner of his first Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo last week, booked his place in a second successive final when he beat Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in his semi-final on Saturday. "It feels great to be back in the final. I will try to redeem myself from last time," said Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas could only convert one of six break points in the first set but it was enough for him to take it in 41 minutes. He had to save two break points at 1-2 in the second before going on to break Sinner twice to seal the match. Tsitsipas has now won nine straight matches without dropping a single set.

Nadal into 12th Barcelona final, faces 'better than ever' Tsitsipas

Rafael Nadal trounced compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta to reach his 12th Barcelona final where he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek star who stunned the great Spaniard from two sets down in this year's Australian Open.

Top seed Nadal, an 11-time champion in Barcelona, eased to a 6-3, 6-2 win over world number 13 Carreno Busta in 90 minutes.

It was Nadal's eighth win in eight meetings against his 29-year-old Davis Cup teammate and his 65th in Barcelona.

"Tomorrow will be a very tough one. Stefanos is playing probably better than ever," said Nadal, who broke serve four times and hit 13 forehand winners in the semi-final.

"Not one set lost in Monte Carlo and here, so it will be the toughest opponent possible. I hope to be ready. It is going to be a tough one, but I need to be ready to increase my level and let's see."

He added: "I'm very happy to be back in a final here at an historic event, a home event, an important one for me."

Nadal defeated Tsitsipas in the 2018 Barcelona final for the loss of just three games.

However, world number five Tsitsipas beat Nadal on clay in the Madrid semi-finals in 2019.

The 22-year-old Greek then recovered from two sets to love down to defeat Nadal in the last eight at the Australian Open in February.

Tsitsipas, winner of his first Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo last week, booked his place in a second successive final when he beat Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in his semi-final on Saturday.

"It feels great to be back in the final. I will try to redeem myself from last time," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas could only convert one of six break points in the first set but it was enough for him to take it in 41 minutes.

He had to save two break points at 1-2 in the second before going on to break Sinner twice to seal the match.

Tsitsipas has now won nine straight matches without dropping a single set.

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster".

Nadal, bidding to reach the semi-finals of a Masters for the 75th time, followed world number one Novak Djokovic, who was beaten in the third round, out of the tournament.

"Today was one of those days that my serve was a disaster," said world number three Nadal.

"It's always sad to lose here. I missed an opportunity to start the clay court season in the right way. But that's it. It's not the moment to complain.

"The only thing that I can do is go to Barcelona (where he plays next week) and keep practicing, try to fix the things that didn't work well."

Despite Friday's setback, 34-year-old Nadal will still be favourite to capture a 13th Roland Garros title in June and record-setting 21st major.

"For Rafa, it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win," said Rublev who also made the Miami Masters semi-finals at the start of April.&nbsp;

"I'm shocked to see the level which he can reach despite this pressure. It's much easier to play when you have nothing to lose."

It was only the second time in 16 appearances in Monte Carlo that Nadal had failed to make the semi-finals.

World number eight Rublev will face unseeded Casper Ruud, who put out defending champion Fabio Fognini, for a place in the final.

The other semi-final will feature Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas against Britain's Dan Evans, the man who shocked Djokovic.

Tsitsipas is now the highest seed left after world number two Daniil Medvedev was forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Rublev is no stranger to taking out the big names -- back in 2019, he stunned Roger Federer at Cincinnati in just 62 minutes.

On Friday, the 23-year-old won the first set in 38 minutes but Nadal then pocketed the last four games of the 73-minute second set to level the contest.

<h2>- Rublev 'deserved it' -</h2>

In the decider, Rublev held his nerve, breaking the Spaniard three times on his way to a famous win, his first in three meetings with Nadal.

"He played well, he deserved it more than me," added Nadal.

"But you can't expect win against a player like him losing my serve I don't know how many times -- six, seven times? It's too much."

Tsitsipas advanced to the last-four when Alejandro Davidovich withdrew after losing the first set 7-5.

Tsitsipas, the world number five, will play his sixth Masters semi-final, and his first in the principality, against Evans, who battled past Belgian David Goffin 5-7,&nbsp;6-3,&nbsp;6-4.

Struggling with an injury to his left thigh, Spaniard Davidovich tried an underarm serve when facing set point.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas pounced to hit a winning backhand return with his opponent quitting after dropping the opener 7-5.&nbsp;

"I noticed he was hurt. His leg was hurting. But I didn't want to think about it, I tried to pretend he wasn't injured and keep playing as I was doing," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Evans edged Goffin after the Belgian made 47 unforced errors, including a final forehand on match point, to win.&nbsp;

"I played good today. I felt a bit more pressure to not just win yesterday and give a bad performance today," said Evans, 30.

Unseeded Ruud won 6-4, 6-3 against 15th seeded Fognini, making the last four in Monte Carlo 24 years after his father Christian had reached the quarter-finals.

Rublev holds a 3-0 record against Ruud, which includes back-to-back clay-court wins at Hamburg in 2019 and 2020.

"I've gained good confidence from this week and I've beaten good players," Ruud said.&nbsp;

"I have to try to find a way to believe that I can win."

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster".

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster". Nadal, bidding to reach the semi-finals of a Masters for the 75th time, followed world number one Novak Djokovic, who was beaten in the third round, out of the tournament. "Today was one of those days that my serve was a disaster," said world number three Nadal. "It's always sad to lose here. I missed an opportunity to start the clay court season in the right way. But that's it. It's not the moment to complain. "The only thing that I can do is go to Barcelona (where he plays next week) and keep practicing, try to fix the things that didn't work well." Despite Friday's setback, 34-year-old Nadal will still be favourite to capture a 13th Roland Garros title in June and record-setting 21st major. "For Rafa, it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win," said Rublev who also made the Miami Masters semi-finals at the start of April. "I'm shocked to see the level which he can reach despite this pressure. It's much easier to play when you have nothing to lose." It was only the second time in 16 appearances in Monte Carlo that Nadal had failed to make the semi-finals. World number eight Rublev will face unseeded Casper Ruud, who put out defending champion Fabio Fognini, for a place in the final. The other semi-final will feature Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas against Britain's Dan Evans, the man who shocked Djokovic. Tsitsipas is now the highest seed left after world number two Daniil Medvedev was forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test. Rublev is no stranger to taking out the big names -- back in 2019, he stunned Roger Federer at Cincinnati in just 62 minutes. On Friday, the 23-year-old won the first set in 38 minutes but Nadal then pocketed the last four games of the 73-minute second set to level the contest. - Rublev 'deserved it' - In the decider, Rublev held his nerve, breaking the Spaniard three times on his way to a famous win, his first in three meetings with Nadal. "He played well, he deserved it more than me," added Nadal. "But you can't expect win against a player like him losing my serve I don't know how many times -- six, seven times? It's too much." Tsitsipas advanced to the last-four when Alejandro Davidovich withdrew after losing the first set 7-5. Tsitsipas, the world number five, will play his sixth Masters semi-final, and his first in the principality, against Evans, who battled past Belgian David Goffin 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Struggling with an injury to his left thigh, Spaniard Davidovich tried an underarm serve when facing set point. Tsitsipas pounced to hit a winning backhand return with his opponent quitting after dropping the opener 7-5. "I noticed he was hurt. His leg was hurting. But I didn't want to think about it, I tried to pretend he wasn't injured and keep playing as I was doing," said Tsitsipas. Evans edged Goffin after the Belgian made 47 unforced errors, including a final forehand on match point, to win. "I played good today. I felt a bit more pressure to not just win yesterday and give a bad performance today," said Evans, 30. Unseeded Ruud won 6-4, 6-3 against 15th seeded Fognini, making the last four in Monte Carlo 24 years after his father Christian had reached the quarter-finals. Rublev holds a 3-0 record against Ruud, which includes back-to-back clay-court wins at Hamburg in 2019 and 2020. "I've gained good confidence from this week and I've beaten good players," Ruud said. "I have to try to find a way to believe that I can win."

'Disaster' as Nadal's bid for 12th Monte Carlo title ended by Rublev

Spanish great Rafael Nadal said he wouldn't blame quarantine or look for other excuses on Wednesday after his Grand Slam record bid was torpedoed by an inspired Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open.

Nadal's hunt for a record 21st major title ended in five sets against the Greek fifth seed, who came back from two sets down to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 in 4hr 5min in the quarter-finals.

The 34-year-old was playing his first tournament of the year after back tightness, following a stint in Australian quarantine, kept him out of the ATP Cup team competition.

But he refused to blame the unusual build-up to the coronavirus-disrupted Grand Slam for his surprise defeat.

"We can find excuses or reasons, or maybe this quarantine that we need to be more time in the room than usual," he said.

"But I'm not the guy that's going to find excuses on that or going to complain about what happened, no.

"Just accept. I never considered myself an unlucky person at all. Doesn't matter the injuries that I had. I think I am a very lucky person."

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev both hit out at quarantine after their quarter-final on Tuesday, blaming it for a rash of early-season injuries.

But Nadal dismissed talk of halting the tour, or playing it in a series of "bubbles" to avoid further stints in quarantine, as suggested by Djokovic.

"There are two options: stop the tour or keep going," he said.

"It's tough for the players, of course... but on the other hand, if we stop the tour, why and how and when we will be able to come back? And a lot of jobs gonna suffer a lot."

Nadal added: "We need to think a little bit bigger... we need to find solutions and we need to adapt to this very tough times that we are facing."

Spanish great Rafael Nadal said he wouldn't blame quarantine or look for other excuses on Wednesday after his Grand Slam record bid was torpedoed by an inspired Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open.

Spanish great Rafael Nadal said he wouldn't blame quarantine or look for other excuses on Wednesday after his Grand Slam record bid was torpedoed by an inspired Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Australian Open. Nadal's hunt for a record 21st major title ended in five sets against the Greek fifth seed, who came back from two sets down to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 in 4hr 5min in the quarter-finals. The 34-year-old was playing his first tournament of the year after back tightness, following a stint in Australian quarantine, kept him out of the ATP Cup team competition. But he refused to blame the unusual build-up to the coronavirus-disrupted Grand Slam for his surprise defeat. "We can find excuses or reasons, or maybe this quarantine that we need to be more time in the room than usual," he said. "But I'm not the guy that's going to find excuses on that or going to complain about what happened, no. "Just accept. I never considered myself an unlucky person at all. Doesn't matter the injuries that I had. I think I am a very lucky person." Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev both hit out at quarantine after their quarter-final on Tuesday, blaming it for a rash of early-season injuries. But Nadal dismissed talk of halting the tour, or playing it in a series of "bubbles" to avoid further stints in quarantine, as suggested by Djokovic. "There are two options: stop the tour or keep going," he said. "It's tough for the players, of course... but on the other hand, if we stop the tour, why and how and when we will be able to come back? And a lot of jobs gonna suffer a lot." Nadal added: "We need to think a little bit bigger... we need to find solutions and we need to adapt to this very tough times that we are facing."

Nadal not blaming quarantine after Australian Open shock

Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday stunned 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 at the Australian Open 2021 to set-up a cracking semi-final encounter against Daniil Medvedev.&nbsp;Tsitsipas came back from 2 sets down to defeat the Spaniard as he became the only the second&nbsp;player to beat Nadal from that scoreline.&nbsp;

Nadal, a second seed, was on course for a comfortable win as the Spaniard won the first two set. However, Tsitsipas upped the ante to turn around the match and prevailed 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 in a seismic upset.

"I don't know what happened after the third set -- I fly like little bird, everything was working for me," Tsitsipas said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/within-the-rules-shocked-barty-says-muchova-timeout-not-to-blame-364264" hreflang="en">'Within the rules': Shocked Barty says Muchova timeout not to blame</a>

"The emotions at the end were indescribable, they were something else."

Nadal lost the match after going two sets up in a Grand Slam - only twice in his career - having previously been defeated by Fabio Fognini in the third round of the US Open 2015.

Nadal, 34, ends the Australian Open 2021 tied with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles. However, Novak Djokovic can still pull within the two if he goes on to win his 18th Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. Djokovic will play the other semi-final against Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-medvedev-beats-compatriot-rublev-to-reach-semis-364235" hreflang="en">Australian Open: Medvedev beats compatriot Rublev to reach semis</a>

Fifth seed Tsitsipas will not look to reach his maiden Grand Slam final when he takes the court to face an in-form Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final. Tsitsipas defeated Nadal for just the second time off eight matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Australian Open 2021 Quarter-Final results:</h2>

Men's singles

Daniil Medvedev (RUS x4) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS x7) 7-5, 6-3, 6-2

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5

Women's singles

Karolina Muchova (CZE x25) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) 1-6, 6-3, 6-2

Jennifer Brady (USA x22) bt Jessica Pegula (USA) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday stunned 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 at the Australian Open 2021 to set-up a cracking semi-final encounter against Daniil Medvedev.

Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday stunned 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 at the Australian Open 2021 to set-up a cracking semi-final encounter against Daniil Medvedev. Tsitsipas came back from 2 sets down to defeat the Spaniard as he became the only the second player to beat Nadal from that scoreline. Nadal, a second seed, was on course for a comfortable win as the Spaniard won the first two set. However, Tsitsipas upped the ante to turn around the match and prevailed 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 in a seismic upset. "I don't know what happened after the third set -- I fly like little bird, everything was working for me," Tsitsipas said. ALSO READ: 'Within the rules': Shocked Barty says Muchova timeout not to blame "The emotions at the end were indescribable, they were something else." Nadal lost the match after going two sets up in a Grand Slam - only twice in his career - having previously been defeated by Fabio Fognini in the third round of the US Open 2015. Nadal, 34, ends the Australian Open 2021 tied with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles. However, Novak Djokovic can still pull within the two if he goes on to win his 18th Grand Slam at Melbourne Park. Djokovic will play the other semi-final against Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev. ALSO READ: Australian Open: Medvedev beats compatriot Rublev to reach semis Fifth seed Tsitsipas will not look to reach his maiden Grand Slam final when he takes the court to face an in-form Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final. Tsitsipas defeated Nadal for just the second time off eight matches. Australian Open 2021 Quarter-Final results: Men's singles Daniil Medvedev (RUS x4) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS x7) 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-5 Women's singles Karolina Muchova (CZE x25) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 Jennifer Brady (USA x22) bt Jessica Pegula (USA) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Stefanos Tsitsipas stuns Rafael Nadal at Australian Open, to face Daniil Medvedev in semi-final

Second seed Rafa Nadal overcame some stiff early resistance from Britain`s Cameron Norrie before easing into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 7-5 6-2 7-5 victory on Saturday. 
 
After being heckled by a loud-mouthed fan in his previous round win against Michael Mmoh, Nadal enjoyed an incident-free evening in an empty Rod Laver Arena to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the 49th time in his career. 
 
The 34-year-old Nadal, bidding to claim a record 21st Grand Slam title, will face Italian Fabio Fognini next. 
 
Nadal won the opening six points, but 69th-ranked Norrie was not intimidated in his first meeting with the Spaniard and claimed the first break of the match to lead 3-2. 
 
He was immediately broken to love though and folded at 5-6 to drop serve again and hand Nadal the first set in 48 minutes. 
 
Thereafter it was a routine day at the office for Nadal, who dominated without ever needing to find top gear, showing no sign of the lower back injury that dogged him in the warmup. 
 
"All the matches are tough, he came here winning a couple of very good matches. I didn`t convert the opportunities I had early in each set so the situation became a bit more difficult," Nadal, who is yet to drop a set, said. 
 
"I`m happy, I had a few good feelings, of course I have to keep improving and tomorrow is another day to practice but into the second week and that`s the main thing for me." 
 
Nadal`s only title in Melbourne was in 2009 but with eight-time champion Nova Djokovic suffering an injury in his third-round win over Taylor Fritz the Mallorcan might not ever have a better chance to double his tally. 
 
He was not at his dazzling best against Norrie in a eerily flat atmosphere, a result of Melbourne`s five-day COVID lockdown forcing organisers to close the doors to fans. 
 
But it was enough to post a 16th successive win against a fellow left-hander - a run stretching back to 2017. 
 
A bigger test awaits on Monday when Fognini, who dispatched Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets on Saturday. 
 
"We`ve played a lot of times and he has beaten me before," Nadal said. "He will be hungry to play well and has had a very impressive win today so he will come with plenty of confidence. 
 
"You don`t expect an easy round in the round of 16 so it will be tough and I have to be ready for it."

Second seed Rafa Nadal overcame some stiff early resistance from Britain`s Cameron Norrie before easing into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 7-5 6-2 7-5 victory on Saturday.

Second seed Rafa Nadal overcame some stiff early resistance from Britain`s Cameron Norrie before easing into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 7-5 6-2 7-5 victory on Saturday. After being heckled by a loud-mouthed fan in his previous round win against Michael Mmoh, Nadal enjoyed an incident-free evening in an empty Rod Laver Arena to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the 49th time in his career. The 34-year-old Nadal, bidding to claim a record 21st Grand Slam title, will face Italian Fabio Fognini next. Nadal won the opening six points, but 69th-ranked Norrie was not intimidated in his first meeting with the Spaniard and claimed the first break of the match to lead 3-2. He was immediately broken to love though and folded at 5-6 to drop serve again and hand Nadal the first set in 48 minutes. Thereafter it was a routine day at the office for Nadal, who dominated without ever needing to find top gear, showing no sign of the lower back injury that dogged him in the warmup. "All the matches are tough, he came here winning a couple of very good matches. I didn`t convert the opportunities I had early in each set so the situation became a bit more difficult," Nadal, who is yet to drop a set, said. "I`m happy, I had a few good feelings, of course I have to keep improving and tomorrow is another day to practice but into the second week and that`s the main thing for me." Nadal`s only title in Melbourne was in 2009 but with eight-time champion Nova Djokovic suffering an injury in his third-round win over Taylor Fritz the Mallorcan might not ever have a better chance to double his tally. He was not at his dazzling best against Norrie in a eerily flat atmosphere, a result of Melbourne`s five-day COVID lockdown forcing organisers to close the doors to fans. But it was enough to post a 16th successive win against a fellow left-hander - a run stretching back to 2017. A bigger test awaits on Monday when Fognini, who dispatched Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets on Saturday. "We`ve played a lot of times and he has beaten me before," Nadal said. "He will be hungry to play well and has had a very impressive win today so he will come with plenty of confidence. "You don`t expect an easy round in the round of 16 so it will be tough and I have to be ready for it."

Australian Open: Nadal eases past Norrie into last 16

An unusual incident took place at the Rod Laver Arena during Rafael Nadal's match on Thursday. The Spaniard was playing against Michael Mmoh in the evening when a fan interrupted Nadal's serve and showed him a middle finger.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-survives-five-set-marathon-to-reach-last-32-in-melbourne-362863" hreflang="en">Tsitsipas survives five-set marathon to reach last 32 in Melbourne</a>

Nadal was already up by one set, which he won 6-1 and had almost won the second (5-4) when a woman started making noise to get the Spaniard's attention and when she got his attention, she showed a middle finger to him. Nadal seemed shocked as he laughed lightly and asked "What? Me?"

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A fan just gave Rafa the finger. Look at his reaction: “what, me? “ 😂 <a href="https://t.co/fY3npCNTrn">pic.twitter.com/fY3npCNTrn</a>
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) <a href="https://twitter.com/tennis_gifs/status/1359833872159150082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The crowd booed the lady and the very next moment Nadal served an ace. But, the woman did not stop there, she kept on interrupting the play by uttering something until the security showed up and asked her to leave.

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Nadal laughing it off as the lady gets ejected. <a href="https://t.co/qlRzRm14Vq">pic.twitter.com/qlRzRm14Vq</a>
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) <a href="https://twitter.com/tennis_gifs/status/1359835437536145412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tearful-kenin-crumbles-under-pressure-of-title-defence-362860" hreflang="en">Tearful Kenin crumbles under pressure of title defence</a>

Nadal continued the play as the security was escorting the woman out. World number 2 went on to serve a couple of more aces to seal the second set against American Mmoh in Round 2 of the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Nadal eased past Mmoh 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in just an hour and 47 minutes.

After the match in the on-court interview, he was laughingly asked if knew the lady. Nadal responded to that with, "No and honestly, I don't want to know (laughed)."

An unusual incident took place at the Rod Laver Arena during Rafael Nadal's match on Thursday. The Spaniard was playing against Michael Mmoh in the evening when a fan interrupted Nadal's serve and showed him a middle finger.

An unusual incident took place at the Rod Laver Arena during Rafael Nadal's match on Thursday. The Spaniard was playing against Michael Mmoh in the evening when a fan interrupted Nadal's serve and showed him a middle finger. ALSO READ: Tsitsipas survives five-set marathon to reach last 32 in Melbourne Nadal was already up by one set, which he won 6-1 and had almost won the second (5-4) when a woman started making noise to get the Spaniard's attention and when she got his attention, she showed a middle finger to him. Nadal seemed shocked as he laughed lightly and asked "What? Me?" A fan just gave Rafa the finger. Look at his reaction: “what, me? “ 😂 pic.twitter.com/fY3npCNTrn — Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) February 11, 2021 × The crowd booed the lady and the very next moment Nadal served an ace. But, the woman did not stop there, she kept on interrupting the play by uttering something until the security showed up and asked her to leave. Nadal laughing it off as the lady gets ejected. pic.twitter.com/qlRzRm14Vq — Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) February 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Tearful Kenin crumbles under pressure of title defence Nadal continued the play as the security was escorting the woman out. World number 2 went on to serve a couple of more aces to seal the second set against American Mmoh in Round 2 of the Australian Open. Nadal eased past Mmoh 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in just an hour and 47 minutes. After the match in the on-court interview, he was laughingly asked if knew the lady. Nadal responded to that with, "No and honestly, I don't want to know (laughed)."

WATCH: Fan shows middle finger to Rafael Nadal; gets thrown out by security

Rafael Nadal Tuesday said his back is still "not great" despite opening his campaign for a record 21st Grand Slam title with a routine straight-sets win.

The world number two pulled out of the ATP Cup last week with the niggle and said ahead of the Australian Open that he was "suffering".

He motored through his first-round clash against valiant Serb Laslo Djere with little drama, racing to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, victory under blue skies on Rod Laver Arena, but admitted he was still struggling.

"My back is not perfect, as I said a couple of days ago," said the Spaniard, whose only appearance this year had been an exhibition against Dominic Thiem in Adelaide 12 days ago, where he first experienced stiffness in his back.

"Every day that I'm able to go through, probably there are more chances to be better. That's the thing now.&nbsp;

"There is always a chance to improve, and that's why I'm here playing and fighting to try to get better and then give myself a chance."

The injury forced him to make changes in his service action against Djere, who didn't have the weapons to trouble the second seed despite Nadal being below par.

"Today it's not great. I needed to change a little bit the motion of my serve," he said.&nbsp;

"I need to go day-to-day and just try to stay positive. I'm trying to do all the things possible to be ready for compete -- that's what I came here for."

It was his first competitive match since the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in London on November 21.

Nadal raced to a 3-0 first-set lead and wrapped it up before a tougher set two as Djere raised his first serve percentage and got himself in the rallies, with Nadal saving three break points.

But the unrelenting Spaniard was never in jeopardy, dominating off his first serve and outlasting the 56th-ranked Serb on the long rallies.

"I wish him all the best for the rest of the season," Nadal said. "Laslo has a great story. I wish him the best of luck."&nbsp;

The 2009 champion, who has a history of back problems, is looking to edge ahead of Roger Federer in career Slam titles, with both men having 20 to their name.

But the king of clay has often laboured in vain on Melbourne's hardcourts, reaching five finals but only having the one title, falling in the quarter-finals last year to Dominic Thiem.

Nadal next plays either Serb veteran Viktor Troicki or qualifier Michael Mmoh and is on course to meet Greek rising star and fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.

Rafael Nadal Tuesday said his back is still "not great" despite opening his campaign for a record 21st Grand Slam title with a routine straight-sets win. The world number two pulled out of the ATP Cup last week with the niggle and said ahead of the Australian Open that he was "suffering".

Rafael Nadal Tuesday said his back is still "not great" despite opening his campaign for a record 21st Grand Slam title with a routine straight-sets win. The world number two pulled out of the ATP Cup last week with the niggle and said ahead of the Australian Open that he was "suffering". He motored through his first-round clash against valiant Serb Laslo Djere with little drama, racing to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, victory under blue skies on Rod Laver Arena, but admitted he was still struggling. "My back is not perfect, as I said a couple of days ago," said the Spaniard, whose only appearance this year had been an exhibition against Dominic Thiem in Adelaide 12 days ago, where he first experienced stiffness in his back. "Every day that I'm able to go through, probably there are more chances to be better. That's the thing now. "There is always a chance to improve, and that's why I'm here playing and fighting to try to get better and then give myself a chance." The injury forced him to make changes in his service action against Djere, who didn't have the weapons to trouble the second seed despite Nadal being below par. "Today it's not great. I needed to change a little bit the motion of my serve," he said. "I need to go day-to-day and just try to stay positive. I'm trying to do all the things possible to be ready for compete -- that's what I came here for." It was his first competitive match since the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in London on November 21. Nadal raced to a 3-0 first-set lead and wrapped it up before a tougher set two as Djere raised his first serve percentage and got himself in the rallies, with Nadal saving three break points. But the unrelenting Spaniard was never in jeopardy, dominating off his first serve and outlasting the 56th-ranked Serb on the long rallies. "I wish him all the best for the rest of the season," Nadal said. "Laslo has a great story. I wish him the best of luck." The 2009 champion, who has a history of back problems, is looking to edge ahead of Roger Federer in career Slam titles, with both men having 20 to their name. But the king of clay has often laboured in vain on Melbourne's hardcourts, reaching five finals but only having the one title, falling in the quarter-finals last year to Dominic Thiem. Nadal next plays either Serb veteran Viktor Troicki or qualifier Michael Mmoh and is on course to meet Greek rising star and fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.

'Not great' - Nadal cruises despite lingering back injury

From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. 
 
Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam. 
 
"It`s not that I`m in a really bad way, but I`m also not alright in the sense that I can`t play either," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar+. 
 
"I`ve improved a little but I`m not in a position where I can go and play a game at full intensity." 
 
Nadal`s name was also absent from Spain`s ATP Cup tie on Friday against Greece at Melbourne Park`s John Cain Arena with Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta to lead the challenge in the singles matches for last year`s finalists. 
 
The 34-year-old practised for an hour on Thursday evening at the Rod Laver Arena and his fitness was improving "little by little, step by step", sources close to Nadal told Reuters. 
 
The Spaniard was one of the top players who quarantined in Adelaide for 14 days after their arrival Down Under and were allowed five hours a day to train during the mandatory isolation. 
 
He then defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-4 on Friday in an exhibition match between the men`s world number two and three at Adelaide`s Memorial Drive Tennis Club. 
 
Nadal sits level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and, with the Swiss not taking part in Melbourne after knee surgery, the Spaniard would have the chance to become the all-time major record holder in the men`s game for the first time. 
 
He insisted, however, that that was not something he was focused on. "First things first, and that`s to play the Australian Open, and if that doesn`t go well, the season goes on," he said. 
 
"I`ve never been obsessed with Grand Slams, truth be told." 
 
The 14-day quarantine and lack of competitive matches ahead of the Grand Slam could prove problematic for Nadal, feels Mats Wilander, who won three out of his seven major titles at Melbourne Park. 
 
"That`s a worry for sure, he would want to play maybe a couple of matches. That`s kind of scary I think for him," Eurosport expert Wilander told Reuters this week. 
 
"I don`t remember him having back problems before. He`s not young any more."

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam.

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam. "It`s not that I`m in a really bad way, but I`m also not alright in the sense that I can`t play either," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar+. "I`ve improved a little but I`m not in a position where I can go and play a game at full intensity." Nadal`s name was also absent from Spain`s ATP Cup tie on Friday against Greece at Melbourne Park`s John Cain Arena with Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta to lead the challenge in the singles matches for last year`s finalists. The 34-year-old practised for an hour on Thursday evening at the Rod Laver Arena and his fitness was improving "little by little, step by step", sources close to Nadal told Reuters. The Spaniard was one of the top players who quarantined in Adelaide for 14 days after their arrival Down Under and were allowed five hours a day to train during the mandatory isolation. He then defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-4 on Friday in an exhibition match between the men`s world number two and three at Adelaide`s Memorial Drive Tennis Club. Nadal sits level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and, with the Swiss not taking part in Melbourne after knee surgery, the Spaniard would have the chance to become the all-time major record holder in the men`s game for the first time. He insisted, however, that that was not something he was focused on. "First things first, and that`s to play the Australian Open, and if that doesn`t go well, the season goes on," he said. "I`ve never been obsessed with Grand Slams, truth be told." The 14-day quarantine and lack of competitive matches ahead of the Grand Slam could prove problematic for Nadal, feels Mats Wilander, who won three out of his seven major titles at Melbourne Park. "That`s a worry for sure, he would want to play maybe a couple of matches. That`s kind of scary I think for him," Eurosport expert Wilander told Reuters this week. "I don`t remember him having back problems before. He`s not young any more."

Nadal continues to struggle with back problem ahead of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".&nbsp;

The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals.&nbsp;

The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool".&nbsp;

Later, Djokovic published and open later to&nbsp;say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued".&nbsp;

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"We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8.&nbsp;

"Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing."&nbsp;

While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-they-wont-they-key-questions-for-troubled-tokyo-olympics-359408" hreflang="en">Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics</a>

While it sparked takes on preferential&nbsp;treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing.&nbsp;

"In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable."&nbsp;

Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others". The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals. The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool". Later, Djokovic published and open later to say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued". ÁLSO READ: Florida offers to host Olympics if Tokyo backs out "We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8. "Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing." While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday. ALSO READ: Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics While it sparked takes on preferential treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing. "In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said. "But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer. "Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable." Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal takes sly dig at Novak Djokovic over quarantine complaints

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime,&nbsp;Australian John Millman,&nbsp;South African Kevin Anderson,&nbsp;Briton Andy Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brazilian Bruno Soares.

In addition,&nbsp;France's Gilles Simon&nbsp;returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers&nbsp;Pablo Andujar&nbsp;of Spain and&nbsp;New Zealander Marcus Daniell&nbsp;will serve their first term.

Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively.

The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021.

It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic.

But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making.

Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022. The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, Australian John Millman, South African Kevin Anderson, Briton Andy Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares. In addition, France's Gilles Simon returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers Pablo Andujar of Spain and New Zealander Marcus Daniell will serve their first term. Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively. The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021. It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic. But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making. Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

Yearender 2020: The year 2020 was supposed to be gruelling and hectic across sports. The year started normally but chaos struck when the novel coronavirus started to take almost every country under its dreaded wings.

Yearender 2020: The year 2020 was supposed to be gruelling and hectic across sports. The year started normally but chaos struck when the novel coronavirus started to take almost every country under its dreaded wings. Sporting events suffered postponement, cancellations. Even the unthinkable happened. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were also rescheduled by a year. After months of lockdown, life started to return to normalcy. Sporting events resumed albeit behind closed doors while maintaining strict COVID-19 protocols. Tournaments, leagues, series opened up as grounds welcomed back the athletes. Records were shattered, TV ratings reached new heights as fans, who were in a dearth of sport, tuned to watch their favourite teams and players play. As the unforgettable year 2020 comes to an end, let us take a look at some of the most memorable sporting moments of the year. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 Lionel Messi-Barcelona Saga: With 2020 being a strange year, the footballing world saw one of the unlikeliest incidents. Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request, via a burofax, to Barcelona urging the Spanish giants to release him from his duties after serving them for close to two decades. Messi and Barcelona are like a pure love story but Messi’s relation with club president Josep Bartomeu turned sour. The Argentine maestro gave an explosive interview during the entire episode where he revealed how unhappy he is at Nou Camp while revealing why he wanted to leave the club. Ultimately, Barcelona didn’t allow Messi to leave and the Argentine stayed put at Nou Camp to avoid a legal battle with the club he loves. #messileavingbarca exclusive interview with @goal.@fundacionmessi explained to the president his desire to leave and the president always said he can leave at the end of the season, only for the president to have lied.#Barcelona#messileavingbarca#BartomeuOUT#Messi pic.twitter.com/kE3DTF3saU — Marqohpolo 💙💛 (@marqohpolo) September 6, 2020 × Rafael Nadal completes 20th Grand Slam: With uncertainty and risk factor surrounding COVID-19, Rafael Nadal decided to skip the US Open 2020 but returned back to his favourite – Rolland Garros – as he continued to shatter the record books. Nadal steamrolled to the final, without even dropping a set, to set a blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard went on to defeat world number one Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to claim his 13th French Open title while equalising Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slams. Wanted to share a nice picture with you 😉 @rolandgarros 👉🏻 #Paris #13 #Vamos 💪🏻😘 pic.twitter.com/SNgy5YYWCa — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 12, 2020 × Naomi Osaka lets her masks do the talking: The year 2020 saw the entire world, including many high-profile athletes, speak out against racial discrimination. Following the death of an African-American man George Floyd in Minneapolis, under police custody, massive outrage broke out. Naomi Osaka, not only joined the protests in US, but also wore masks during the US Open, with names of black victims of police brutality in the US. Osaka made seven masks for the US Open with a view of reaching the final of the Grand Slam event and not only did she reach the final but also lifted the coveted trophy by winning a nail-biting summit clash. .@naomiosaka walked out in a Breonna Taylor mask for her night match at Arthur Ashe stadium.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/Ubxwst54kl — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2020 × IN PICS | Ace Naomi Osaka pays tribute to black lives in a unique fashion! MS Dhoni’s international retirement: Former India captain and one of the most decorated cricketers of all-time, Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. Dhoni, who doesn’t do many interviews, took to social media platform Instagram to post a classic Indian song merged with images from his career as he quit international cricket in the most MS Dhoni-esque fashion one could imagine. The entire cricket fraternity was left emotional by Dhoni’s retirement and poured heartfelt tributes to the legendary Indian captain. Dhoni participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 for Chennai Super Kings and will continue to do so for the time being. View this post on Instagram A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) × Liverpool win Premier League after 30 years: Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool ended their 30-year wait of lifting the Premier League title as the Reds comfortably won the league by 18 points. Liverpool accumulated a staggering 99 points, 18 more than second-placed Manchester City, to break the Premier League title drought. In 38 matches, Liverpool won 32 matches while drawing three and losing as many in what is regarded as one of the best seasons for English top-flight club. WE’RE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qX7Duxoslm — Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 25, 2020 × Australia Women’s Cricket team dominate the world stage, again: Australia Women’s team continued to stamp their authority in world cricket as they lifted their fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title on March 8. It was one of the last major tournaments in world sport that featured capacity crowd. As many as 86, 174 fans witnessed the summit clash between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in what was a record crowd for a women’s cricket game. Australia won the final by 85 runs. WORLD CHAMPIONS ON HOME SOIL This is for you, Australia 💚💛#CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/IbgIbTGAOK — Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) March 8, 2020 × Lewis Hamilton equals Michael Schumacher’s record: Hailed as one of the best F1 drivers of all-time, Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of winning seven world championships. Shattering the record books, Hamilton won 11 of the 17 races in 2020 F1 season to take his tally past Schumacher’s 91 Grand Prix wins to 95. Utilising a breathtaking Mercedes car, Hamilton skipped past everyone to record one of the finest seasons of all-time in F1 history. If reports are to be believed then Hamilton will soon be honoured with knighthood and will become one of the few sportspersons to have achieved the tag of ‘Sir’ during their playing days. A day i’ll never forget 🏆#S7ILLRISING pic.twitter.com/O1Y6eD9iQX — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2020 × Indian Premier League in the UAE: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 suffered postponement after the outbreak of coronavirus in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to take the money-spinning T20 tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid the pandemic and to everyone surprise, it pulled off the event without a hitch. Even though it was played in front of empty stands, IPL 2020 was widely watched and celebrated by the sporting fans and shattered television records. The tournament became the first multi-team cricket tournament to take place after COVID-19 enforced break in March. Happy that we gave people something to cheer for: @mipaltan' five-time IPL winning captain @ImRo45 👏🙌🏆#Dream11IPL #Final #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/l8aUTvtLaa — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 10, 2020 × Bayern Munich win it all: German giants Bayern Munich completed a quintuple as they won the German domestic treble while winning the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the FIFA Club World Cup was cancelled or else, Bayern Munich would have had a real shot at winning all six trophies in club football – achieved by a few clubs till date. Not only did Bayern Munich compete as a team, their striker Robert Lewandowski, who had a sensational season in front of the net, was awarded UEFA’s Best Player of the Year award as he beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to lift the coveted title. König Lewy hat 2020 regiert! 👑🏆#MiaSanMia @lewy_official #TheBest #LewanGOALski #LEGENDowski pic.twitter.com/xVXoIFCzRg — FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) December 29, 2020 × Team India's Adelaide Horror and Melbourne comeback: The Indian cricket team were bundled out for their lowest-ever Test score (36) by Australia in the Adelaide Test - the first of the four Test matches of the blockbuster series. India were left stunned by the Australian bowlers as the visitors surrendered in front of the hostile Aussie attack. India went on to lose the match by eight wickets and concede an early 1-0 series lead to Australia. While many teams have been down and out with low confidence and self-doubt, India bounced back strong, without their talisman Virat Kohli, in the Boxing Day Test to dominate Australia and win the match by eight wickets. As Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said, this win will be regarded as one of the greatest comebacks/wins of all-time. https://t.co/eQNZo0Ou2G! 👏👏#TeamIndia bounce back in style to beat Australia by 8⃣ wickets to level the four-match series. 👍👍 #AUSvIND Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/lyjpjyeMX5 pic.twitter.com/FgepGB00uE — BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2020 ×

Yearender 2020: From Dhoni's retirement to Hamilton's 7th - Check out the most memorable sporting moments

Sevilla FC has recently relaunched its brand and a campaign which aims to strengthen the positioning of&nbsp;Never Surrender, a message that is undoubtedly part of the club's DNA, as well as its way of understanding and facing life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The campaign features seven examples of&nbsp;Never Surrender&nbsp;as a key to success, The club wanted to focus on great sportsmen and women who, like Sevilla FC, have done their best without ever giving up in the face of the adversities of 2020. All these cases have filled millions of people with joy and pride, surpassing themselves at every moment and making the impossible come true.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

SACHIN TENDULKAR, being carried on the shoulders of his teammates after India won the World Cup in 2011, as a thank you from a proud nation. He embodies the passion of an entire country.

RAFA NADAL&nbsp;triumphs at Roland Garros, beating all his rivals without dropping a single set. His demands of himself have led him to win this tournament 13 times in 15 years.

DESIRÉ VILA&nbsp;overcomes the amputation of her leg and now competes at the highest level. The bravery of a gymnast turned Paralympic athlete.

THE SPANISH HANDBALL TEAM, after the disappointment of missing out on the Rio Olympics, won the European Championship. The Spaniards showed so much pride to win the European Gold.

CAROLINA MARÍN&nbsp;is international champion again after recovering from her serious injury. Her resilience puts her back on top of the podium.

JOAN MIR, by transforming his inexperience into consistency, surprising world champion of the MotoGP. The cheeky driver makes a great comeback with a dream finish.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-nba-to-super-bowl-heres-complete-list-of-winners-in-2020-350549" hreflang="en">From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020</a>

SEVILLA FC&nbsp;makes the impossible possible by winning its sixth Europa League. The club once again demonstrates its limitless ambition by winning all six finals it has played. Despite the complications caused by the pandemic, with a three-month hiatus, the team managed to qualify for the Champions League and lift their sixth UEFA Europa League. That is why Sevilla FC, who began the 21st century in the Second Division and today is the king of the UEFA Europa League and the Spanish team with the third-most qualifications for Europe, wants to remember 2020 positively with a spot campaign that shows that, despite the adversities that may arise, with class, effort and courage, great objectives can be achieved.

Sevilla FC has recently relaunched its brand and a campaign which aims to strengthen the positioning of Never Surrender, a message that is undoubtedly part of the club's DNA, as well as its way of understanding and facing life.

Sevilla FC has recently relaunched its brand and a campaign which aims to strengthen the positioning of Never Surrender, a message that is undoubtedly part of the club's DNA, as well as its way of understanding and facing life. The campaign features seven examples of Never Surrender as a key to success, The club wanted to focus on great sportsmen and women who, like Sevilla FC, have done their best without ever giving up in the face of the adversities of 2020. All these cases have filled millions of people with joy and pride, surpassing themselves at every moment and making the impossible come true. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement SACHIN TENDULKAR, being carried on the shoulders of his teammates after India won the World Cup in 2011, as a thank you from a proud nation. He embodies the passion of an entire country. RAFA NADAL triumphs at Roland Garros, beating all his rivals without dropping a single set. His demands of himself have led him to win this tournament 13 times in 15 years. DESIRÉ VILA overcomes the amputation of her leg and now competes at the highest level. The bravery of a gymnast turned Paralympic athlete. THE SPANISH HANDBALL TEAM, after the disappointment of missing out on the Rio Olympics, won the European Championship. The Spaniards showed so much pride to win the European Gold. CAROLINA MARÍN is international champion again after recovering from her serious injury. Her resilience puts her back on top of the podium. JOAN MIR, by transforming his inexperience into consistency, surprising world champion of the MotoGP. The cheeky driver makes a great comeback with a dream finish. ALSO READ: From NBA to Super Bowl: Here's complete list of winners in 2020 SEVILLA FC makes the impossible possible by winning its sixth Europa League. The club once again demonstrates its limitless ambition by winning all six finals it has played. Despite the complications caused by the pandemic, with a three-month hiatus, the team managed to qualify for the Champions League and lift their sixth UEFA Europa League. That is why Sevilla FC, who began the 21st century in the Second Division and today is the king of the UEFA Europa League and the Spanish team with the third-most qualifications for Europe, wants to remember 2020 positively with a spot campaign that shows that, despite the adversities that may arise, with class, effort and courage, great objectives can be achieved.

Sachin Tendulkar to feature in the 'Never Surrender' Christmas campaign by Sevilla FC

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-daniil-medvedev-beats-rafael-nadal-in-a-thrilling-semi-finals-clash-344715" hreflang="en">ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash</a>

Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments.

"We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement.

"We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon."

Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals.

Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January.

They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead.

Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday.

"Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said.

"Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government."

The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January&nbsp;18.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read: ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments. "We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement. "We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon." Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals. Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January. They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead. Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday. "Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said. "Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government." The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January 18.

Organisers optimistic for Australian Open despite coronavirus measures

Rafael Nadal's dream of winning the ATP Finals title ended as the Spanish ace was beaten by Russia's Daniil Medvedev 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final clash on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal's dream of winning the ATP Finals title ended as the Spanish ace was beaten by Russia's Daniil Medvedev 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final clash on Saturday. Also read: Novak Djokovic reaches ATP Finals semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on This is Medvedev's first career win against 20 time Grand Slam-winner Nadal. The Russian will now face Austrian Dominic Theim who defeated world no. 1 Djokovic. Medvedev enters the finals as the favourite because he is the only player to maintain a 100 per cent win record in his group. The Russian also defeated Djokovic. Medvedev was off to a good start but Nadal came from behind to win the opening set. However, The Russian was too good for the Spaniard. In the second set, Nadal tried to swing his way back to the match but the Russian managed to break to love. A flukey forehand winner helped Medvedev move 5-3 ahead in the tiebreaker and he took full advantage to set up a decider. Nadal appeared to be feeling the pace in a tense final set and some sensational winners allowed Medvedev to grab the crucial break of serve in the seventh game. Two games later Nadal dumped a backhand in the net to hand Medvedev a landmark victory. (Inputs from Reuters)

ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash

London's farewell edition of the ATP Finals could still have its dream climax after world number one Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(4) to seal a last-four spot on Friday.

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Defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev had left the five-time champion needing to beat Germany's Zverev to avoid a group stage exit and he obliged with a relatively comfortable win.

Djokovic will finish second in the Tokyo Group, named after the first edition of the season-ending tournament 50 years ago, and with Spanish world number two Rafa Nadal finishing second in the London Group, they have avoided a semi-final clash.

The 33-year-old Serb will face U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem in Saturday's semi-final, when Nadal plays Medvedev.

Sunday's final will end the tournament's memorable 12-year stay in London before it re-locates to Turin.

Djokovic was pummelled 6-3 6-3 by an inspired Medvedev on Wednesday, but was much sharper against Zverev, another one of the new generation trying to barge the old guard off stage.

"In contrast to the match against Daniil I found the right shots at the right time," he said. "I have tremendous respect for Sascha, a great player and not easy to return 140mph first serves. It was anybody's game for most of the match."

Djokovic was soundly beaten by Zverev in the 2018 final, a match played out in an electrifying atmosphere in front of 18,000 fans. This time the arena was empty because of the COVID-19 lockdown, a surreal backdrop for a match with so much riding on it for both men.

Despite the flat feel, Djokovic was quickly into game-mode and when world number seven Zverev double-faulted to drop serve in his first service game he seized control.

Zverev dug in his heels in the second set but missed a chance for an early break before recovering from a couple of double faults to fend off a break point in the following game.

Djokovic looked edgy at times and twice had to hold serve to avoid being dragged into a third set.

But the 17-time Grand Slam champion raised the intensity level in the tiebreak, edging 5-3 ahead with a fizzing backhand pass. He brought up two match points with a hefty first serve before pressurising Zverev into an error to complete victory.

Djokovic is bidding to equal Roger Federer's record of six ATP Finals titles, while Nadal seeks a first.

Round-robin action concludes later on Friday with Medvedev looking to complete a sweep of the group by beating Argentine debutant Diego Schwartzman who cannot progress.

London's farewell edition of the ATP Finals could still have its dream climax after world number one Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(4) to seal a last-four spot on Friday.

London's farewell edition of the ATP Finals could still have its dream climax after world number one Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(4) to seal a last-four spot on Friday. Also read: No heading! Premier League managers want headers to be curbed if it leads to dementia Defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev had left the five-time champion needing to beat Germany's Zverev to avoid a group stage exit and he obliged with a relatively comfortable win. Djokovic will finish second in the Tokyo Group, named after the first edition of the season-ending tournament 50 years ago, and with Spanish world number two Rafa Nadal finishing second in the London Group, they have avoided a semi-final clash. The 33-year-old Serb will face U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem in Saturday's semi-final, when Nadal plays Medvedev. Sunday's final will end the tournament's memorable 12-year stay in London before it re-locates to Turin. Djokovic was pummelled 6-3 6-3 by an inspired Medvedev on Wednesday, but was much sharper against Zverev, another one of the new generation trying to barge the old guard off stage. "In contrast to the match against Daniil I found the right shots at the right time," he said. "I have tremendous respect for Sascha, a great player and not easy to return 140mph first serves. It was anybody's game for most of the match." Djokovic was soundly beaten by Zverev in the 2018 final, a match played out in an electrifying atmosphere in front of 18,000 fans. This time the arena was empty because of the COVID-19 lockdown, a surreal backdrop for a match with so much riding on it for both men. Despite the flat feel, Djokovic was quickly into game-mode and when world number seven Zverev double-faulted to drop serve in his first service game he seized control. Zverev dug in his heels in the second set but missed a chance for an early break before recovering from a couple of double faults to fend off a break point in the following game. Djokovic looked edgy at times and twice had to hold serve to avoid being dragged into a third set. But the 17-time Grand Slam champion raised the intensity level in the tiebreak, edging 5-3 ahead with a fizzing backhand pass. He brought up two match points with a hefty first serve before pressurising Zverev into an error to complete victory. Djokovic is bidding to equal Roger Federer's record of six ATP Finals titles, while Nadal seeks a first. Round-robin action concludes later on Friday with Medvedev looking to complete a sweep of the group by beating Argentine debutant Diego Schwartzman who cannot progress.

Novak Djokovic reaches ATP Finals semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on

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