Rafael Nadal has qualified for the semifinals of a grand slam tournament for the 34th time at Roland Garros. The twelve-time winner had to work hard to beat the fearless Italian teenager Jannik Sinner: 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-1.
Because of the marathon match between Diego Schwartzman and Dominic Thiem the playing schedule ran out enormously, so that Nadal was only able to deal his last blow to Sinner at 01:30.
Sinner copies Nadal
Sinner was the first player since Nadal (in 2005) to reach the quarter-finals with his debut at Roland Garros. He had already impressed this tournament with victories over David Goffin and Alexander Zverev.
Nadal had won the first set 6-1 in his last three matches, but needed a tiebreaker against Sinner for the set win. The 19-year-old Italian entered the rally fearlessly, fighting for every point and putting Nadal to work hard.
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