Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2) to secure his place in the finals at the Rogers Cup in Canada. He will play Milos Raonic on Sunday.
The semifinal was anything but routine and proved to be the exciting “final in a semifinal” level match, as it was touted by some. Rafa had an early 5-2 lead in the first set, showcasing excellent return of serve, great forehand winners, and a few assists from Djokovic’s multiple double faults. He maintained his lead to win the set 6-4. The second set went to Djokovic, who upped his game and reduced his errors, 6-3.
The third set was intense and not without controversy. Rafa hit Djokovic in the chin, unintentionally, and apologized. The apology was apparently not accepted at that moment, going by Djokovic’s reaction. The set was well-played on both sides and ended in a tie-breaker. Rafa closed the set at 7-6(2) with an immense lead in the TB to win the match.
To beat Novak on any surface is very important. His level is always high and you have to play well … almost perfect to beat him.
I tried my best in the tiebreaker. I had to hit some fantastic shots to compete well against a big player like Novak. I’m very, very satisfied. You cannot let up against the top players for even a minute.
Good luck in the final, Rafa!
Photos: Paul Chiasson/Associated Press, Christinne Muschi/Reuters, Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America
i watched the game at 2am local time here….i’ve been a rafa fan eversince, i know that he did not hit djoko intentionally and his apologies are very sincere…..djoo will not do it that way, if he is the one who hit rafa……serbian press, they are idiot as well us his idiot father (forgive me), it shows only where djoko came from…..apple tre will not bear orange fruit.
rafa as very well motivated and played very aggressively. he had to hit a ball not knowing it would hit Djoko in the face but it wasn’t his fault. Djoko should have hit the ball back instead of not doing anything at all. If you don’t hit the ball, it can land and hit on your body and face. watch the ball all the time, they know that. he didn’t accept the apologies proving he wasn’t a good sport like what his own arrogant father is always bragging about. hope Rafa wins today
I have wanted to hit Novak in the face for ages ,I find his arrogance unbearable but appreciate his tennis as I do Rafa,s ,but then I am Rafa;s fan
vamooooooooooooos
Congratulations rafael well done!!good luck in the final champion, lets bite one more trophy!!
FELICITACIONES MI QERIDO RAFA. .TE DESEO LO MEJOR EN ESTA NOCHE..
A well deserved victory Rafa. Win the final and all the best for that.
CONGRATULATIONS KING RAFA,IN ATTITUDE ASWELL,VERY DISAPPOINTED IN DJOKERS ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR WHEN THIS HAPPENED.I GUESS HE NEEDED TIME TO RELISE RAFA NEVER MEANT TO DO THIS,NOW WE HAVE THE SERBIAN PRESS, DEMONIZING THE THIS ACCIDENT.PLEASE LETS NOT POLUTE THIS GENTLEMANS GAME,TO OUR ADVANTAGE.BOTH PLAYED WELL,RAFA JUST OUT PLAYED IN THE LAST GAME.
I had every confidence he would win but got the score wrong- and as for hitting Novak these things happen and he should have accepted Rafas apology without question black mark for Novak I say!!!
I loved that hit the chin incident. Djoker didn’t liked the apology.
Felicitaciones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
see!!!you win rafa…
That’s my boy Rafa