French Open: Rafael Nadal Trumps Novak Djokovic in Four Sets, Enters Semi-Final

Nadal has moved one step closer to winning his 22nd Grand Slam title.

Rafal Nadal beat Novaj Djokovic in four sets to enter the French Open semi-final.

(Photo: PTI)

Rafael Nadal won an epic four set encounter against rival Novak Djokovic, at his favoured French Open, to enter the semi-final on Tuesday night in Paris.

The 13-time former French Open winner is now another step closer to his 22nd Grand Slam title, after winning the 21st at the Australian Open earlier this year.

The final scoreline between Nadal and Djokovic read 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6.

"He was the better player in the important moments. He showed why he's a great champion. Staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it," said Djokovic after the match.

"In the end it has been a very emotional night for me. I'm still playing for nights like today," said Nadal.

"But it's just a quarterfinals match. So I didn't win anything. I just give myself a chance to be back on court in two days. Playing another semifinal here in Roland Garros means a lot to me," he added.

Next for Nadal is third seed Alexander Zverev, who overcame Spanish sensational teenager Carlos Alcaraz in another dramatic clash earlier on Tuesday. The German needed to dig deep to hold off Alcaraz's fight-back in the third set to clinch the win 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7) after three hours and 18 minutes.