Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have given tennis fans some of the most epic and grueling matches that have entertained and enraptured even neutral fans. The arguably best rivalry in men’s tennis has given us memories for life. One match that often takes the cake is the Australian Open final between the two titans back in 2012 that had lasted for just shot of 6 hours. And while that is a match for the ages, there is one Wimbledon encounter between the two that is often overlooked.
It was back in 2018 when the two set up a semi final clash at Wimbledon and it ended up lasting for 5 hours and 15 minutes, over the course of two days, before we had a winner. Djokovic beat Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11), 3-6, 10-8 in a match of the highest quality, before eventually taking the crown as well.
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal Never Disappoints
The match began on a Friday evening just after a marathon match between John Isner and Kevin Anderson, which had lasted for 6 hrs and 36 mins. The encounter between Novak and Rafa concluded over two days and as expected, it did not disappoint.
As the match began, both players were keeping it safe. They were keeping the ball in play, engaging in some long rallies without taking much risks. However, the Serb was applying pressure and eventually got the break, claiming the opening set 6-4.
In the second set, Nadal raised his level and was striking the ball with more venom than in there previous set. Both players exchanged early breaks. Eventually, it was the Spaniard getting the second break and consolidating it by keeping his serve to level the match by winning the set 6-3.
Coming to the third set, both players figured that it now came to a best of three set situation and started serving with great accuracy, consistency and efficiency. At 6-6, they had to fight it out in a tiebreaker.
At this point, things were intensified to such an extent that none of the two were blinking. However, Novak’s determination helped him sail through, winning the set 13-11 in the tiebreaker.
Day two gives Djokovic an advantage
Continuing play the next day, the players had to deal with different conditions due to the closed roof. It was Nadal who had a better start, getting the all important break towards the business end of the fourth set after having exchanged breaks earlier on in the set. Taking the fourth set 6-3, Nadal restored parity, taking the match to the 5th and deciding set.
In the final set, both players got opportunities to break each others’ serves. At 7-7 with Rafa serving, Djokovic grabbed the opportunity to get the break. Having gotten the edge in the match, the Serb refused to let it slip and won the set 9-7 to cement his spot in the final, against Kevin Anderson.
13 juillet 2018. Kate Middleton et Meghan Markle assistent à une autre grande rivalité historique. Djokovic-Nadal, l’une des plus belles demi-finales de l’histoire de Wimbledon (10-8 au 5e set pour le Serbe) pic.twitter.com/hPmVGvrEJt
— Perdants magnifiques (@TousPoulidor) July 13, 2023
It was one of the most memorable matches played at the All England Club. The memories of that match still remain fresh amongst fans. Since then, they have been involved in many more gruesome matches.
At the moment, Nadal is injured and recovering while Novak Djokovic is all set to battle it out with another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, in the final for a record equaling 8th title at Wimbledon.
