Rafael Nadal is one win away from his 11th French Open championship after earning a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 semifinal victory over Juan Martin del Potro on Friday at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. He beat the Argentine in just over two hours.
Rafa was in full control as Del Potro wilted under the relentless pressure of his whipping trademark forehand. Del Potro pulled up with a hip complaint as he trailed 2-1 in the first set, but despite clear discomfort he fought on to complete the match in two hours and 14 minutes.
After the match, Rafa said:
The first set was very difficult. Juan Martin had a lot of opportunities and I was a little bit lucky to win it. It’s incredible to play here. I feel very fortunate to play in front of this crowd. Without working hard and without going through tough moments and without still being focused on your passion of the game, it is impossible to be here. Still being here is something I never dreamed about.
Dominic Thiem is an amazing player. He beat me in Madrid this year and he has great power. I have to play my best. I have to improve a little bit. I believe I can be ready for that final. It’s going to be a tough one but I will fight all the way.
Rafa will face off with Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem on Sunday for the trophy. He has never fallen in a Roland Garros final. The left-hander is a perfect 10-0.
Source: AAP
One win away for the 11th🏆, don’t let Thiem intimidate you. You can do it and beat him, Vamos and focus 💪💪💪 win win win good luck on sunday!
🍀🎾🍀🎾🍀🎾💥💥💥
Even though Thiem is playing with confidence and brute determination, Rafa must remain confident and patient. He needs to play intelligently (drop shots at the right times, etc….) and aggressively. Serve well, and don’t worry about the power and winners that Thiem makes. 3 out of 5 sets and stamina. Let’s pray that the weather/court conditions are favorable for Rafa.
Rafa how so well done.
All the best for the final,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Rafa had no trouble defeating Del Potro in straight sets and I am overjoyed.However I could not help feeling a bit sorry for Del Potro – he has had so many set backs from injury and has had to fight back so many times. However he will go from no. 5 to no.4 on Monday and I am sure that will console him.
Rafa of course has had his own injury troubles over the years and he has fought back to be no. 1 for the 5th time.
A truly outstanding achievement for a fantastic sportsman and a gentleman through and through.
Thiem seems to be playing really well and this final will be tough.
I hope Moya can help Rafa settle his nerves and convince him that the 11th French Open title is his. !!