‘King of Clay’ - Rafael Nadal thrashes Roger Federer to reach French Open final
Spanish tennis super star Rafael Nadal, the all-time leader in men's singles titles at Roland Garros, eased past Swiss legend Roger Federer to advance to another French Open final in straight sets 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Philippe Chatrier.
The defending French Open champion recorded a solid victory on Friday, immediately taking control of the game to take a 3-0 lead int he first set. Federer’s attempts to close the gap appeared to be in vain as Nadal went on to confidently take the first set 6-3.
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It seemed that the French weather wanted to interfere in the tough battle between the two longtime rivals and strong wind blasts sometimes changing direction of the ball, with mini tornadoes even keeping wild lob shots in play.
F E D A L#RG19pic.twitter.com/HsuXssMPVo
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2019
Federer managed to break his rival in the beginning of the second set, however his lead appeared to be short lived as the second-ranked Nadal fought back to tie the game at 3-3.
Both players confidently held serve before Nadal made a crucial break to take a 5-4 lead. Inspired by his dominant on-court play the Spaniard cemented his lead by blasting down unstoppable serves to win the second set 6-4, with Federer displaying flashes ofhot-headed behavior under pressure.
22 not out!@RafaelNadal secures a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over rival Federer, and his 22nd match win in a row at Roland-Garros…🎾 https://t.co/nKZ3xJ2F6o#RG19pic.twitter.com/zIMYOPkEWN
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2019
Federer launches a ball into the stands. Nadal is smoking him, going to win in straight sets. pic.twitter.com/GqaOvgtEsd
— 🇨🇦Kid Presentable🏀 (@DFSBBallGuy) June 7, 2019
Rafa Nadal to the pro Federer crowd pic.twitter.com/RsXbicRdXO
— Fatima 💯 + 1 (@rogerbestbystat) June 7, 2019
Nadal will stay at world number two. Federer at number three.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 7, 2019
Nadal and Federer by the time this game is over 💨 #FrenchOpen#WeirdWeatherpic.twitter.com/Rh8MdLbR8D
— Avani (@messziah) June 7, 2019
Federer crushed a backhand and a forehand, but Nadal still finds the pass. Ridiculous level considering the conditions.@Eurosport_UK#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/j9seWE0AMm
— Matthew Willis (@MattRacquet) June 7, 2019
The 11-time French Open winner continued dominating on court in the third set winning five games in a row to create a more than healthy 5-1 advantage.
Federer, who got only 53 percent of his first serve in the third set, managed to take just one more game before Nadal finally sealed game, set and match to progress to French Open final.
