The world No 1’s semi-final win against Nadal was remarkable but Stefanos Tsitsipas is a tricky
French Open final opponent
Late on Friday afternoon, not too long after
Novak Djokovic and
Rafael Nadal had stepped out on to Court Philippe Chatrier, a familiar movie was playing out. Djokovic, with a 1-7 record against Nadal at the French Open, had not beaten Nadal on clay since 2016. There he was, trailing 5-0 while suffering the familiar pain of Rafael Nadal’s forehand tearing him apart.
It is a reflection of Djokovic’s exceptional ability to learn from disappointments and consistently return stronger that on Sunday he is facing Stefanos Tsitsipas for his second title at Roland Garros and a scene-shifting 19th overall slam.