Nadal outlasts Djokovic in French Open epic
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during their semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Friday, June 7, 2013 in Paris. AP
PARIS— Rafael Nadal won an epic semifinal against Novak Djokovic at the French Open to remain the King of Clay — for another couple of days, at least.
Seven-time champion Nadal twice let a lead slip away in the fourth set Friday, then came from behind in the fifth to beat the No. 1-ranked Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7.
Article continues after this advertisementDjokovic blew an easy overhead on the opening point on the final game and went on to lose serve at love, sending his final forehand long.
Nadal improved to 58-1 at Roland Garros, including five wins over Djokovic. The French Open remains the only major title Djokovic has yet to win.
Nadal is trying to become the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event.
