Most mesmerizing clashes between Nadal and Djokovic
With Roger Federer bowing out of the Wimbledon 2018, there are just two big names left in this edition of the tournament- Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. As Nadal and Djokovic lock horns, for the 52nd time, to determine who will make it to the final, we take a look at some of the most memorable encounters between these two iconic players.
2014 French Open Final
The duo met at 2014 French Open final and this was back in the day when Djokovic was at the peak of his powers. The Serbian won the first set 6-3 and it looked like Djokovic was on the path to script history. However, Rafa made a comeback to win the second set 7-5 and gathered momentum to beat Djokovic 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.
2008 Queen's Final
In 2008, Nadal and Djokovic met in the final at the Queens Club in England, and this is one of the most enthralling encounters between the two players till date. The high-octane clash saw some jaw-dropping tennis from both the players. But in the end, it was Nadal who came on top and defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5 in straight sets.
2009 Madrid Masters Semi-Final
This encounter was one of the longest three-set matches between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The 4 hour and 3-minute marathon saw Djokovic giving Nadal a run for his money. The Serbian won the first set 3-6, but the King of Clay can never be taken down easily on his own turf and he staged a remarkable comeback to win 3-6, 7-6, 7-6.
2013 French Open Semi-Final
Djokovic was still awaiting his first win against Nadal on clay and he came agonisingly close, yet again, in the 2013 French Open semi-final. The epic five-set contest saw the first four sets split between the duo. However, Rafa proved to be too much of a challenge at Roland Garros and finally won the contest 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 9-7.
2012 Australian Open Final
This contest will be etched in the memory of fans for years to come as it was the longest Grand Slam final of all-time. The high-octane 5 hours and 53-minute contest saw Nadal clinch the first set 7-5, but Djokovic is not easy to beat on hard surfaces. The Serbian clawed back and finally managed to beat the Spaniard 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5.
