Rafael Nadal insists he can’t know for sure whether any match at Roland Garros might be his very last at a place he loves
If he keeps winning and keeps performing the way he did during his monumental quarterfinal victory over longtime
Rival Novak Djokovic that began in May and ended in June, Nadal will have more chances to play.
Nadal got past the top-seeded defending French Open champion Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4) to move a step closer to his 14th championship
“One of those magic nights for me,” Nadal said.For anyone lucky enough to be there, too provided they were able to stay awake or even anyone watching from afar.
"The crowd knows I won't be here many more times," Nadal said. "The crowd is something difficult to describe; I can't thank everyone enough here in Paris. It was an unforgettable night."
Djokovic wanting to play at night, Nadal during the day; Nadal playing down expectations, Djokovic talking up his chances.
Nadal's walk on to the court was cheered to the rafters, while Djokovic entered to a mixture of boos and cheers -- and looking to gate-crash the party on Nadal's clay.
Nadal started this match when the sky still had some color left, storming through the first set 6-2. But the night drew in, and the starless sky blanketed the stadium just as Djokovic started winning
Finding his rhythm to take the second set 6-4. Nadal took a break. Minutes later, he jogged back on. Back on his throne, Nadal took the third set 6-2.