Rafael Nadal lost his first set at the French Open since 2015 but that blip did not prevent the 10-times champion from marching into the semi-finals with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Diego Schwartzman in their rain-delayed match on Thursday.
The world number one had looked out of sorts in damp conditions on Wednesday as Schwartzman bombarded him with winners to cause him all sorts of problems, with the Argentine leading by a set and a break when the players were first called off court due to rain.
Upon resumption, the Spaniard gradually improved before rain brought an early end to the day with Rafa on the brink of winning the second set. It was a very different story when the contest resumed on Thursday in drier conditions as Rafa won 12 of the first 13 points before cruising into the last four.
After the match, Rafa said:
Diego’s a good friend, a really good player. It wasn’t easy. I wish him all the best for the future. I played at a better level after the rain, I’m happy to reach another semi-final. It’s a great emotion to play here. I’ve got to play again tomorrow, it’ll be difficult whoever I play.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion will face Juan Martin del Potro for a place in Sunday’s final.
Source: Reuters
Rafa so very well done,
All the best for your game in the semi finals,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Rafa congratulations you play very good vamossssssssss and good luck tomorrow against DelPotro.im watching for sure love yours fans for ever.🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🏆
WTA stars Simona Halep and Sloan Stephens, world No. 1 and 10 respectively, will vye for their first FO on Saturday. Good luck ladies.
Congratulations to Rafa for reaching his 11th FO semi-final.
Glad he overcame whatever was distracting him in his first set vs Schwartzman. Let’s have none of that in his semi-final because DelPotro will take advantage of an off off-kilter Rafa.
RAFA ROCKS THE FRENCH OPEN
Correction: ignore first “off” LOL
So happy for you. Good luck for tomorrow <3
Champion!
Power and possession. Fight on. 💪💪👊👊👏👏❤️
felicidades Rafa sigue jugando agresivo desde el primer set que Del Potro no es facil Vamos Rafa por el 11, te deseo lo mejor de lo mejor para manana. que Dios te bendiga
Rafa was in warrior mode after the first rain delay and wrestled control from Diego. Hats off to Diego who was strong and just wouldn’t go away – awsome cross court backhand! I think Rafa needed that challenge to harden him for the next round as it’ll be another war of attrition against Delpo tomorrow. Rafa will have to be aggressive from the word go, serve well and move Delpo around. Good luck champ. You can do it. You WILL do it!
Congratulation RAfa best of luck play aggressive in semi final
Did anyone really think Diego would beat Rafa??? Not me. Now comes the real tests. Delpo could beat Rafa and Thiem has beaten Rafa. I’m never betting against Rafa at the French though lol!!!! Vamos!!!!
Rafa I knew you could do it. Yea for our Champion. Love to watch you play I could watch you play from sun up to sun down. Thank you for the Enjoyment of watching you
love ya man
kathie
Rafa outplayed Diego as the court conditions were much more conducive to his game as the ball bouncing high and with good velocity and lots of spin . I was pleased with Rafa’s overall game but I think Rafa will need to step up his service game tomorrow against Del Portro . Vamos Rafa and best of luck !
GRANDIOSO!!! Rafa…bien jugado…k tranquilidad d verte asì…adelante y siempre contigo