Down the memory lane: Rafael Nadal recalls 2009 Madrid SF against Novak Djokovic
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Rafael Nadal is currently competing at the Madrid Masters where he goes in as the top seed in the absence of World No.1 Novak Djokovic. The Serb is currently on a short break from tennis. He will be back in Rome next week.
Ahead of the Madrid Masters, Nadal spoke about his best memories in Madrid. He recalled the 2009 semi-final against Novak Djokovic. 2009 was also the first year that the Madrid Open was played on clay rather than a hardcourt.
Nadal was dominating the Clay season as usual back then. He had already won the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters, having defeated Djokovic in the process on both occasions. Then the two goliaths met at Madrid again and played a match, which many regard as the best 3-set match ever played.
Nadal revealed that he was facing some issues in his knee. “It’s just that I was with quite a lot of problems in the knee,” Nadal said. “But in the end, good being able to play at home. It was a nice experience.”
‘The semifinal match against Novak was very exciting’: Rafael Nadal
In the match, the Spaniard eventually prevailed 3–6,7–6(5),7–6(9) after four hours and three minutes and praised Djokovic’s role. Rafa also added that he was not surprised by his arch-rival’s level that day.
He said: “I think it went well and I could come and play the game for four hours. I remember the semifinal match against Novak was very exciting, [really] good at the end. I don’t know if it was a setback, he generally plays here at a very good level.”
Due to such a long match, Nadal went down in the final easily to Roger Federer and sadly was also handed his first loss at the French Open a week later.
On tour currently, Nadal defeated Carlos Alcaraz on his 18th birthday in the second round and will now face Qualifier Alexei Popyrin in the Round of 16.
Also read: WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his 18th birthday after losing to Rafael Nadal
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