Rafael Nadal has continued his march towards a record-extending 13th French Open title with a 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1 win over Jannik Sinner in the late-night match on Philippe-Chatrier.
The Spanish great booked a semi-final berth against Diego Schwartzman, who reached his first grand slam semi-final with a 7-6(1), 5-7, 6-7(6), 7-6(5) win against the US Open champion Thiem in 5hr 8min. Rafa has won 10 of his 13 previous Roland Garros quarter-finals in straight sets.
“Now I have, well, I would say two days off, but almost 1 1/2,” Rafa said with a laugh. “But, yes, now it’s two days to practice, to rest a little bit and to recover, and just try to be ready for that semifinal.”
This was Rafa’s 100th match at Roland Garros. Our champ now has a 98-2 win-loss record at the clay court grand slam.
Congratulations Rafa ! Well done. I did not know that you were such a good volley player ! Vamos Rafa !
Perfect tiebreak by Rafa!
He withstood everything that Diego could throw at him today.
Well done champ!!!
Vamos Rafa for Final…You are Still unbeatable on this surface..Vamos Diego for the effort….But you met today with Rafa on Philip Chatrier
FINALLY!!!
Well-done champ Love you for Not Making hard for us…. Finished it in style
Come on Rafa! Wind this tjing up!!!
Oh dear! Both players are finding it hard to hold serve. For Rafa, this shows just how uncomfotable Diego is making him feel. Diego is determined to extend this contest.
Hopefully not much longer……Rafa is able to send him packing soon!
Wow… if I wanted drama, I have netflix for that.
Finish this Rafa! Schwartzman is ridiculously good though, I have to say. Causing all sorts of troubles for Rafa.
😂😂😂
Hope it ends in 3 sets. Rafa can’t continue to play like this. Sorry
The errors are creeping into Rafa’s game now. How about he breaks and holds to win the match? Is that asking too much champ?
Meh… 6-3 6-3 so far. Smooth sailing for Rafa but Diego is a stubborn guy.
No Drama required Rafa… finish him off quick!
Hello everyone, what a nice day. At least, I can watch Rafa’s match. Vamos Rafa !
Vamossssssss!!!
That’s great, Magali. Hope you’re enjoying the match.
👍😊
Come on Rafa! Wind this thing up!!!
Yesterday one of my hat/cover has been stolen in my place when I was sleeping and I was surprised to see a hat on the floor just in my way. I am sure that people have access to my computer and phone, and are following me wherever I go. I don’t know why. It seems that they have nothing to do in their lives.
Don’t know if I was imagining but Rafa seemed nervous at the start.
Pray and hope service improves.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
VAMOS 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Nah…. He’s in beastmode now….
He’s getting his groove on with his serve….
He’s won the first set 6-3…
It’s interesting…. Never ever should a player facing Rafa think because they are winning 40-Love or 40-15, that they have the game…. Whether its to hold serve or break him….Rafa finds a way…point by point to come back… and before you know.it…Rafa wins that game….
We are off to a good start….
Finally Rafa won’t have to deal with shade….
Second set…. VAMOS!!!!!!
I am waiting to see Rafa playing but as usual when I want to watch Rafa’s match, my connexion is blocked.
I am surrended by odd people. Please rescue us ! I just can stand them anymore.
Waiting on pins and needles….
Rafa knows exactly what to do for this match… He’s played Diego recently and I’m sure he has a strategy going in …. He’s had a good rest…. And he is ready!!!
As we all know his mental game is always right there with his physical one, as he adjusts to the task at hand…
Unleash the beast today Rafa!!!
VAMOS!!!!!
Rafa , please serve at your very best against Diego . In Rome , Diego took advantage of a erratic service game . I like the idea of increasing the velocity of the second serve to keep Diego off balance and wheezing . No matter , Vamos Rafa and let’s keep the streak of winning sets going toward another Roland Garros championship victory .
Good luck to Rafa and Stefanos!
The wait is almost over……Vamos Rafa 💪🎾❤️
I sure hope the weather is a good sign for Rafa; sun with clouds and close to 61F, winds are down but high humidity.
GET IT DONE RAFA
Tsitsipas has his work cut out for him and he better win. He has already pulled out of St. Petersburg citing fatigue and wanting to avoid injury after Paris. He better not become fatigued against ND. OK, no, I am not threatening him but hoping he beats ND.
I was hoping for Rafa to play after Stefanos so he could know what’s in store for him for the final. I can’t say if that would help Rafa to know in advance. Just a thought.
STEFANOS FOR THE WIN
Stay strong Rafa and get into your killer mode. Your fans can send you all the best for a win but you’ve got to do the work. You have my vote of confidence. All the best to reach the final.
RAFA ROCKS
I really don’t know if I’ll watch. I’m just sooo nervous when Rafa plays!! My hubby really gets nervous thinking I’m going to have a heart attack. Hahaha. Let’s see ….. .
So thoroughly fed up of Djokovic. I had seen through all his gimmicks years ago.
Rafa I beg of you win today and pick up the trophy on Sunday!!!! Don’t let anyone or anything come in the way!
Hope Rafa feels the love and good vibes from all his lovely, loyal, crazy fans!
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏