Yeah, very nice win, but Djokovic was probably very close to losing. If nadal just had converted that the set-point in the third set, I think it would have been game over.
When he is in match fully, his performance is unmatched, even on clay against Rafa, claims from Rafa fans dont want to admit, that Novak plays better on clay then him, giving fact mostly because overall statistic, which is clearly in Nadals favor. But when you look just at matchup between them Novak just overplays Rafa in any department. Why he is not able to do it more consistenly, and sometimes shows up with less fighting spirit, and lower energy. I guess you cant always perform best. Thats what he only knows best.
@kostic1310 only he knows? what djokovic knows is that djokovic has too small arms to take on nadal in french every year, combined with the weak overhead smash djokovic has.
@@mauricioem3029 That was a great match as well. But this match (2021 RG semifinal) was between the greatest clay courter and third best clay courter of all time.
@@surajssubramanian7327yes indeed. Novak has 19 clay titles and an 8-20 record against the most dominant clay player of all time (by a country mile). Winning against him 8 times on clay shows how good Novak is on red clay. If Nadal doesn’t exist, Novak is probably a 7-9x RG champion.
@@mikemoggerson6651 And Djokovic has defeated Nadal multiple times at all 4 big clay tournaments - MC,Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros. Djokovic is the greatest sportsperson of all time.
@@surajssubramanian7327 Djokovic is certainly the most well rounded tennis player in existence. Double career golden masters and 3x career slam speaks for itself. Djoko can win on slow, medium and fast courts. Nadal (atleast for the majority of his career) could only really win on slow and sometimes medium-slow courts. There’s a reason why Nadal has never won Shanghai, Paris or ATP finals. No shade, just facts. The numbers speak for themselves and they show Novak is the greatest and most well rounded
One of the statement matches for Nole. Despite tightly contested for the most part, the fact that it's a 3:1 win, especially that Nole won the last 6 games in a row really made a clear statement who's supreme.
It’s scary how Novak takes his time to find an opening no matter how badly he’s getting beaten especially in the first set. Most players would give up the set especially being 5-0 down against the king of clay to save their energy, but Novak was smart enough to know Rafa's intensity and quality of tennis was only going to get better in the later sets and decided to risk fighting early on to find that momentum before going into the 2nd set. Once he picks up the momentum, he’s unbeatable
yeah great observation. Once Rafa gets on a roll on clay he's unstoppable. Djoko managed to just slow down that freight train enough to turn things around.
At first, it seemed it would be like the 2020 final beat down. But, Djokovic, though was down 0-5, he was feeling good. When he fought back to make it 3-5 in that first set, it became evident we would have a “match.” And what a match! The third set is perhaps the greatest set ever played on clay. And for someone who has been following tennis since Connors, Borg, McEnroe, and Lendl, I can confidently say that it is one of the greatest three clay court matches ever (the other two being the 2013 semifinal and the eternal 1984 Lendl/McEnroe battle),
This performance in my opinion solidified Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time. The only man to beat nadal at the french open and federer at wimbledon multiple times. The fact that he beat an in form Nadal and went on to win the title, GOAT defining moment. #kingofkings
Well Nadal beat Djokovic on hard court grandslam records 2-1 Us and 1-2 Australia that's 3-3 have a career grass Court record against him 3-3 being 0-2 in Wimbledon and 3-1 at masters 500.. while Nadal winning 14-0 in Roland Garos finals in around 19 attempts a single attempt on a year ..while Djokovic also winning 14titles on hards 10 Australia and 4 us but having a dig at hard courts twice a year which is twice the amount of times Nadal played on clay and still couldn't match his dominance because ..out of hard courts Djokovic has 10 titles ( 3 french + 7 Wimbledon) Nadal out of clay has 8 too ( 2 AUS , 2 Wimbledon and 4 us open ) that's 6 hard court grand slams in Djokovic strongest zone while Djokovic getting only 3 in nadal's strongest zone...so ..... Nadal also the only man to win Olympics on hards and also the only man in history to win ( Montreal + Cincinnati+ us open ) at the same time " summer slam* once . which Djokovic still couldn't do....and nadalHe is the first man in history to win Grand Slam singles titles on three different surfaces in a calendar year..2017-2020 the most important of all ... He has played 32 matches against his primary rivals - Federer and Djokovic - in majors and leads 21-11 (10-4 vs Federer and 11-7 vs Djokovic). He is 14-2 on clay and 7-9 off clay against them...the same can't be said the other way around...all of it..while having Keats amount of grand slam appearances against them...that's the only reason why Novak has more GS titles..
@@syeedchowdhury2501 At the end of the day Djokovic is the only man to beat Nadal on clay and Federer on grass in a best of 5 contest, also Nadal has never beat Djokovic at oz open. No one is questioning either Federer or Nadal’s greatness they are both great players obviously but the feats that Novak has accomplished stands alone now. His weeks as number 1, his winning head to head vs both Nadal and Federer, he being the only player to win all the masters 1000 titles twice. All this and the fact that he has the most slams Points to him at being the greatest of all time. Dont forget Djokovic really came into the picture in 2011 the fact that he won 23 of his 24 slams from then to 2023 is also mind boggling in itself.
@@syeedchowdhury2501You are lying... Nadal never beat Djokovic on Australia. Meanwhile Djokovic beat 2 times Nadal on Roland Garros. Djokovic is the GOAT
The two best players of all time going full mode. After the match Nole said it was for sure in the top 3 of his best matches (with AO 2012 & Wim 2019). The 3rd set is the most intense set I've ever seen.
@@---jm4cz depends on how much you value being a complete player vs overall big titles/majors. Statistically Djokovic is by far the most complete with his triple career slam, double golden masters, atleast 7x finalist at every slam. But between Fed and Nadal, Federer is more complete but Nadal has the edge elsewhere. Nadal dominated Federer even outside of clay earlier in his career. 3-0 at AO until 2017…even outside of RG, the major H2H was 4-2 Nadal until 2017 and overall slam H2H was 9-2. Yes Federer is more complete but Nadal in H2H and overall big titles has a big advantage. With the obsession with overall slam counts, many give Nadal the advantage over Fed. But Fed was one who gladly accepted the slam count as a “decider” of greatness when he was ahead, so all is fair
Djoker is the GOAT but on the Fed/Nadal discussion - that’s a really tough one. Everyone has said everything about their stats but for me it comes down to the fact that for most of his career, Nadal dominated Fed regardless of surface and for that reason alone, I have him in second place and then Federer third. That said, these three are the best ever to play this sport and I’ve been watching since the late 1970s. No shame in being in the Big 3, even if you’re at the “bottom” of that group. I think history will award Nadal a solid second given the two extra grand slams and the lead in the H2H.
The tricky point is to think that Nadal is giving his best level here. Don't get me wrong, his level was good, but yo have to keep in mind his best performance at this tourmanent..his best level? He is not even close imao...
He's no 2008 Nadal on clay in terms of power and stamina, but many aspects of his game actually improved (serve, backhand, etc.). The point here is Nadal was playing well and lost nevertheless, contrary to his two other losses at RG (2009, 2015) where he was the shadow of himself.
Djokovic in the final against Tsitsipas would win his 19th grand slam, only 2 and a half years later (nov 2023) he already has 24 grand slams won. I mean +5 GS 😮❤🐺🇷🇸
oh my goodness -- match quality is unbelievable. The sheer grit and determination is palpable on both sides. Just not seeing this kind of matchup currently ...
Djokovic played the quarter with 11 pm curfew, and for this match even the French government has to bend their knee speaks the volume of this match. That 3rd is the greatest set on clay ever played, 2 enormous giants going to there best
Definitely one of the greatest matches ever played on clay, in all history! We all know that Nadal is the undisputed king of clay. His achievements on this surface are miles ahead from the others and will probably never be surpassed. However, we can also argue that Nadal and Djokovic are the two greatest clay court players of the last 20 years, if not the two greatest clay courters of all time. Djokovic was the only one who posed a greater challenge for Nadal on clay. That says a lot about Djokovic genius on all surfaces. If it wasn't for Nadal, Novak would probably have a lot more titles on clay and in Roland Garros as well. Another interesting fact: Nadal has lost only 3 times in Roland Garros, out of 115 matches. That means 112 wins. Astonishing! Beating Nadal in Roland Garros is probably the most difficult task in tennis. And Djokovic was the only one who achieved this feat twice. This match here is the second time he has done it! Let us all be grateful for the existence of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal. The holy trinity of tennis. For instance, if you have Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, why not admire the three of them? The goat discussion is very interesting, but the Big 3 was a true feast of great rivalry, epic battles, strokes of genius and the highest heights any sport could deliver. Behold The Golden Era of Tennis!
2 year and official channel finally uploads it. One of the greatest matches I've ever seen, what gladiators Rafa and Novak are. As a Novak fan I'm wishing the quickest of recovery for Nadal. I'll cherish next year whatever we have of one of the greatest rivalries of all sport.
I just hope if they play again, it will be somewhere outside of clay for once. 10 of their 18 major matches have been played at Roland Garros…I would like to see Novak obliterate Rafa at the AO or somewhere other than RG
lol only a ‘greatest match’ for a Djokovic fan. It’s a poor match as Rafa was obviously injured. Yiu really think Rafa tires and can hardly move in a 4 set match without injury? lol. He took the next 6 months off
then explain why novak wasnt number one in federer era he was only third, why he got bageled sine covid twice from nadal, this doesnt make sense, djokovic ate 2 begels since covid, novak just weak era dominator... No real competition rised for novak djokovic because tennis is private sport only for rich people if you are broke no one will even allow you to play tennis level on some grandslam tournaments djokovic won was crazy low half players injured half players retired and nothing serious for opponent, also he almost got bagelled 3rd time in this video first set if you are fking goat you just dont get bageled you dont.
People claiming nadal to be injured is just BS. He played at his best for 3 sets and a half, at a level even better than 2022. That missed volley in tiebreak cost him dearly else he couldve won 3rd set and possibly the whole thing. Only last 2-3 games he looked pale so please don't degrade one of rhe best matches at RG for a false narrative.
@@CalebPereira9123 just watch the match no one can play like that while 'injured'. If he won this match then he would've beaten Tsitsipas too you know that.
@@CalebPereira9123 exactly 2022 he was more injured, can't even walk in Rome. So don't take away credit from Novak, no one who saw the match live talked about injury.
Spectacular match! What a Semifinal! Godness Me. Rafa was simply the favorite to Win Roland Garros but Nole was mentally strongest ! I think the match was one of the best 10 matches in tennis history. What a privilege to be a contemporary in Nadal and Djokovic's time . Thank you GOATs for giving us such a battle of the Titans! 👏🏽👏🏽🐐🐐
Out of this world tennis! The level of this match was played at a superhuman level. At that stage of a grand slam and given what was on the line...The third set has got to be one of the greatest sets of tennis I've ever had the privilege to watch. Enjoy it, because you may never see something like this again! The whole night, every point was just about a highlight. If Nadal didn't get injured and tired in the fourth set, and it went five, this would have been undoubtably the greatest match of all time; to this day. Merci Roland Garros.
I did not see any injury there. The match was played until the match point that Nadal lost due to a narrow miss. Did we watch the same match highlights?
@@rocksolidstoryline Yep, same match highlights. The match before with Diego Schawrtzman in the QFs Nadal was already on painkillers and had to blaze past him 6-0 in the final set. I saw the entire matches. He couldn't do that to Djokovic here. Nadal in the press said he could barely walk after this match. He had a long break after and had to skip the entire grass court season. Played 2 more matches in 2021 and had to end his season early in August. Check out his record on ATP and Wikipedia. I remember the commentators said if Nadal was younger, then the match would have gone 5. He definitely slowed down in the 4th set. See the double fault he had in the tiebreaker of the 3rd set? The first point, it was from exhaustion. Credit to Djokovic for pushing him there.
@@rocksolidstoryline Yes from what I remember, Nadal was on painkillers at least since the round of 16. He wasn't in his peak form and ran out of stamina by the 4th set. But take nothing away from Djokovic. Still, anyone else would have lost to Nadal that day. It took Djokovic to beat him.
30:38 That lob return was insane. Any other player would be lucky to get their racquet on the ball, but Djokovic gave it enough clearance and depth to force Rafa back behind the baseline. Nobody turns defence into offence like Nole.
Those saying Nadal was actually injured are so ridiculous... The guy was up 5-0 in the first, had a set point in the third, and missed the easiest volley of his career in the tiebreak... Novak was simply stronger that day, and it was a gruesome matchh
He’s injured every time he loses, according to his fans. The thing is, Rafa needs a lot more specific court conditions to be dominant than Djokovic. He’s the best of all time on clay, there’s zero doubt there. But Djokovic has won many tournaments in slow courts, medium-slow courts, medium courts, medium-fast courts, and fast courts. Novak has won every single big annual title on tour MULTIPLE times, and is even more dominant on quick courts than slow courts despite a nasty myth spreader by haters. Nadal on the other hand, has yet to win Shanghai, Paris, Cincinnati, or ATP finals. 3 of those are quick indoor hard courts. Their overall resume proves that Novak is simply the far more complete player. That’s why he has a triple career slam and double career golden masters. The fact that Nadal fans have every excuse after losing on his beloved clay to Djokovic is hilarious 😂
In terms of tennis skills, the big 3 are too close to be distinguished of the discrepancies. Instead, when you stand on the court, the toughness and confidence are deciding.
Idiot Djokovic fans who refuse to acknowledge context. Every Djokovic opponent is always at their best. If Djokovic loses, then it was due to his own mistakes. The opponent was never better. These people would probably implode if they ever attempted to live in reality. Denial is their world.
RG 2013 SF between these two was the greatest match at RG. This is definitely one of the best, but it doesn’t exceed the quality of RG 2013. I think RG 2011 SF was also good
it's both satisfactory and painful to see those bulldozer forhands of rafa. you can feel how he hits the ball with literally every fiber of his being. what a toll on his body.
Novak has beaten rafa easily in every GS. 10 years since rafa has beaten him on any surface except for a rare few clay matches. Embarressing for rafa. Total domination for Novak.
One of the greatest matches in history of Roland Garros. Two fantastic fighters, incredible quality, long and amazing rallies. Very sad that covid didn't allow them to play with full stands, but it's very nice that game didn't end without an audience
We could even say that these are are one of the 10 greatest matches of all time ❤🔥🤩. We will be nostalgic for this match and this Era with Roger Rafa Djoko
@@Bensway7maybe because he was 6 years younger lol? Why did Federer take until 21 to win his first major but Djokovic won his first at 20?? Djokovic’s era when he started was much tougher than Fed beating mark philippoussis in 2003 🤣
Those who say Nadal is injured are just making cowardly excuses. Injury that won the Rome tournament just before? Injured and raged to the RG semi-finals? Injury caused a record-long 97-minute set against Nole? If you lose, you have to accept it, don't blame it and feel embarrassed like that
This is pure mental strength from Djokovic. He put his will into winning against Nadal in RG and achieved it. Something that is not respected enough is the mental strength and will power of Djokovic.
One of Novak's best performances. There is so little separating these two, it's uncanny. And while rafa may say federer was his biggest challenge.... It's always been Novak
My top 10 best 4 set-match (2008 until now) 1. This match 2. Fedex vs Nole RG 2011 3. Nole vs Rafa US 2011 4. Thiem vs Rafa AO 2020 5. Rafa vs Berdych AO 2012 6. Stan vs Nole RG 2015 7. Fedex vs Murray Wim 2012 8. Rafa vs Fedex AO 2012 9. Nole vs Fedex Wim 2015 10. Thiem vs Zverev AO 2020
Novak's greatest tactical display of all time. The top spin cross court forehand pushing Rafa outside the court on his backhand side worked like a charm!
You asked, we delivered! This match is now available to watch IN FULL on our UA-cam channel: ua-cam.com/video/uGpEPfMFUUo/v-deo.html
Thanks so much !
You're amazing! Thanks, guys!
Please give us the full olympic match too
@@mahinth-on-everything slam channel won't upload Olympic matches
3rd set is probably the best tennis I've ever seen
That third set is one of the best of all time regarding the level from both player
the missed volley at 4-3 was all time terrible from nadal. So disappointing as a giant nadal fan in that moment
@@ianpickett6467 bokkalo nadal
@@ianpickett6467 Yes, that was a mental fart.
Super cool en tant que très grand fan de novak djokovic
Agree with you.
The best set i have ever watched.
French Open 2021 was one of Nole's craziest slam wins, he played out of this world, especially mentally.
Yeah, very nice win, but Djokovic was probably very close to losing.
If nadal just had converted that the set-point in the third set, I think it would have been game over.
he played mentally out of this world? lol
@@scottwarren4998 Da baba umesto tog jednog dole što ima ima nešto drugo, bila bi deda! Idemo Nole!
When he is in match fully, his performance is unmatched, even on clay against Rafa, claims from Rafa fans dont want to admit, that Novak plays better on clay then him, giving fact mostly because overall statistic, which is clearly in Nadals favor. But when you look just at matchup between them Novak just overplays Rafa in any department. Why he is not able to do it more consistenly, and sometimes shows up with less fighting spirit, and lower energy. I guess you cant always perform best. Thats what he only knows best.
@kostic1310 only he knows? what djokovic knows is that djokovic has too small arms to take on nadal in french every year, combined with the weak overhead smash djokovic has.
The greatest 4 set match in history.
2011 RG SF
@@mauricioem3029 That was a great match as well. But this match (2021 RG semifinal) was between the greatest clay courter and third best clay courter of all time.
@@surajssubramanian7327yes indeed. Novak has 19 clay titles and an 8-20 record against the most dominant clay player of all time (by a country mile). Winning against him 8 times on clay shows how good Novak is on red clay. If Nadal doesn’t exist, Novak is probably a 7-9x RG champion.
@@mikemoggerson6651 And Djokovic has defeated Nadal multiple times at all 4 big clay tournaments - MC,Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros. Djokovic is the greatest sportsperson of all time.
@@surajssubramanian7327 Djokovic is certainly the most well rounded tennis player in existence. Double career golden masters and 3x career slam speaks for itself. Djoko can win on slow, medium and fast courts. Nadal (atleast for the majority of his career) could only really win on slow and sometimes medium-slow courts. There’s a reason why Nadal has never won Shanghai, Paris or ATP finals. No shade, just facts. The numbers speak for themselves and they show Novak is the greatest and most well rounded
One of the statement matches for Nole. Despite tightly contested for the most part, the fact that it's a 3:1 win, especially that Nole won the last 6 games in a row really made a clear statement who's supreme.
One of the greatest matches in the history of Roland Garros, if not in the history of tennis!
But unfortunately Nadal was injured,otherwise He would destroy Djokovid there
@@TheKing-wf9es not sure
RG SF 2011
@@sagemoondancer817940-15🤣👌🏻
@@TheKing-wf9esnadal played good, it's just that Djokovic was better, like on every surface but clay since 2012. to now. Every. Single. Time.
It’s scary how Novak takes his time to find an opening no matter how badly he’s getting beaten especially in the first set. Most players would give up the set especially being 5-0 down against the king of clay to save their energy, but Novak was smart enough to know Rafa's intensity and quality of tennis was only going to get better in the later sets and decided to risk fighting early on to find that momentum before going into the 2nd set. Once he picks up the momentum, he’s unbeatable
Damn good comment.
Ты фанат Надаля и это не значит что ты прав это только твоё мнение! И для многих оно вообще не интересно
yeah great observation. Once Rafa gets on a roll on clay he's unstoppable. Djoko managed to just slow down that freight train enough to turn things around.
Novak Unbeatable on Clay ? LOL Are you even serious ? He is not unbeatable in Wimby also these days
At first, it seemed it would be like the 2020 final beat down. But, Djokovic, though was down 0-5, he was feeling good. When he fought back to make it 3-5 in that first set, it became evident we would have a “match.” And what a match! The third set is perhaps the greatest set ever played on clay. And for someone who has been following tennis since Connors, Borg, McEnroe, and Lendl, I can confidently say that it is one of the greatest three clay court matches ever (the other two being the 2013 semifinal and the eternal 1984 Lendl/McEnroe battle),
This performance in my opinion solidified Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis player of all time. The only man to beat nadal at the french open and federer at wimbledon multiple times. The fact that he beat an in form Nadal and went on to win the title, GOAT defining moment.
#kingofkings
Agreed. Nadal is the King of Clay, but Djokovic is the GOAT. No one can deny that.
Well Nadal beat Djokovic on hard court grandslam records 2-1 Us and 1-2 Australia that's 3-3 have a career grass Court record against him 3-3 being 0-2 in Wimbledon and 3-1 at masters 500.. while Nadal winning 14-0 in Roland Garos finals in around 19 attempts a single attempt on a year ..while Djokovic also winning 14titles on hards 10 Australia and 4 us but having a dig at hard courts twice a year which is twice the amount of times Nadal played on clay and still couldn't match his dominance because ..out of hard courts Djokovic has 10 titles ( 3 french + 7 Wimbledon) Nadal out of clay has 8 too ( 2 AUS , 2 Wimbledon and 4 us open ) that's 6 hard court grand slams in Djokovic strongest zone while Djokovic getting only 3 in nadal's strongest zone...so ..... Nadal also the only man to win Olympics on hards and also the only man in history to win ( Montreal + Cincinnati+ us open ) at the same time " summer slam* once . which Djokovic still couldn't do....and nadalHe is the first man in history to win Grand Slam singles titles on three different surfaces in a calendar year..2017-2020
the most important of all ...
He has played 32 matches against his primary rivals - Federer and Djokovic - in majors and leads 21-11 (10-4 vs Federer and 11-7 vs Djokovic). He is 14-2 on clay and 7-9 off clay against them...the same can't be said the other way around...all of it..while having Keats amount of grand slam appearances against them...that's the only reason why Novak has more GS titles..
@@syeedchowdhury2501 so true
@@syeedchowdhury2501 At the end of the day Djokovic is the only man to beat Nadal on clay and Federer on grass in a best of 5 contest, also Nadal has never beat Djokovic at oz open. No one is questioning either Federer or Nadal’s greatness they are both great players obviously but the feats that Novak has accomplished stands alone now. His weeks as number 1, his winning head to head vs both Nadal and Federer, he being the only player to win all the masters 1000 titles twice. All this and the fact that he has the most slams Points to him at being the greatest of all time. Dont forget Djokovic really came into the picture in 2011 the fact that he won 23 of his 24 slams from then to 2023 is also mind boggling in itself.
@@syeedchowdhury2501You are lying... Nadal never beat Djokovic on Australia.
Meanwhile Djokovic beat 2 times Nadal on Roland Garros.
Djokovic is the GOAT
Best third set in history . Started at 14.00 min. here .
The two best players of all time going full mode. After the match Nole said it was for sure in the top 3 of his best matches (with AO 2012 & Wim 2019). The 3rd set is the most intense set I've ever seen.
You meant Wim 2018? For me it's RG semi 2013, Wimb semi 2018, RG semi 2021 and AO Final 2019.
I confirm with Novak, but even with less big titles, Roger is at least the second best player of all time!
@@---jm4cz depends on how much you value being a complete player vs overall big titles/majors. Statistically Djokovic is by far the most complete with his triple career slam, double golden masters, atleast 7x finalist at every slam. But between Fed and Nadal, Federer is more complete but Nadal has the edge elsewhere.
Nadal dominated Federer even outside of clay earlier in his career. 3-0 at AO until 2017…even outside of RG, the major H2H was 4-2 Nadal until 2017 and overall slam H2H was 9-2. Yes Federer is more complete but Nadal in H2H and overall big titles has a big advantage. With the obsession with overall slam counts, many give Nadal the advantage over Fed. But Fed was one who gladly accepted the slam count as a “decider” of greatness when he was ahead, so all is fair
Djoker is the GOAT but on the Fed/Nadal discussion - that’s a really tough one. Everyone has said everything about their stats but for me it comes down to the fact that for most of his career, Nadal dominated Fed regardless of surface and for that reason alone, I have him in second place and then Federer third. That said, these three are the best ever to play this sport and I’ve been watching since the late 1970s. No shame in being in the Big 3, even if you’re at the “bottom” of that group. I think history will award Nadal a solid second given the two extra grand slams and the lead in the H2H.
@tui1178 no, clay is known as the most physical surface
At the end of the first set the Nole said:
“okay Mr Nadal very impressive;
now it’s my turn”
Such an insane match. What makes it so unique is that it's probably the one and only time Nadal got beat while playing his best level at RG.
Nah.
The tricky point is to think that Nadal is giving his best level here. Don't get me wrong, his level was good, but yo have to keep in mind his best performance at this tourmanent..his best level? He is not even close imao...
He's no 2008 Nadal on clay in terms of power and stamina, but many aspects of his game actually improved (serve, backhand, etc.). The point here is Nadal was playing well and lost nevertheless, contrary to his two other losses at RG (2009, 2015) where he was the shadow of himself.
@@antoinefabre8476 I totally agree in this point. Nadal never lost a match in RG playing at this high level.
On the 4th set Nadal was up 2-0 against Novak, then Novak proceeded to win 6 games in a row against Nadal, ON CLAY.
Djokovic is an absolute beast. He tamed these other ‘GOATs’ on their favourite surfaces. He is the supreme GOAT
Such a GOAT, even on clay he is a GOAT and ate grass like a GOAT, he's a goat goat goat. Good goat Novak. Good goat.
Djokovic in the final against Tsitsipas would win his 19th grand slam, only 2 and a half years later (nov 2023) he already has 24 grand slams won. I mean +5 GS 😮❤🐺🇷🇸
Que jogão, um presente para os fãs do tênis !! Obrigado Campeões !!
oh my goodness -- match quality is unbelievable. The sheer grit and determination is palpable on both sides. Just not seeing this kind of matchup currently ...
Djokovic played the quarter with 11 pm curfew, and for this match even the French government has to bend their knee speaks the volume of this match. That 3rd is the greatest set on clay ever played, 2 enormous giants going to there best
❤❤❤
Definitely one of the greatest matches ever played on clay, in all history!
We all know that Nadal is the undisputed king of clay. His achievements on this surface are miles ahead from the others and will probably never be surpassed.
However, we can also argue that Nadal and Djokovic are the two greatest clay court players of the last 20 years, if not the two greatest clay courters of all time. Djokovic was the only one who posed a greater challenge for Nadal on clay.
That says a lot about Djokovic genius on all surfaces. If it wasn't for Nadal, Novak would probably have a lot more titles on clay and in Roland Garros as well.
Another interesting fact: Nadal has lost only 3 times in Roland Garros, out of 115 matches. That means 112 wins. Astonishing! Beating Nadal in Roland Garros is probably the most difficult task in tennis. And Djokovic was the only one who achieved this feat twice. This match here is the second time he has done it!
Let us all be grateful for the existence of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal. The holy trinity of tennis. For instance, if you have Bach, Beethoven and Mozart, why not admire the three of them? The goat discussion is very interesting, but the Big 3 was a true feast of great rivalry, epic battles, strokes of genius and the highest heights any sport could deliver. Behold The Golden Era of Tennis!
Love this comment, without the need of insult or belittle any of them, only prasing three true legends
The best match I’ve seen these ten last years
2019 Wimbledon final and 2023 Cincy final are some of the craziest things I have seen but this is up there.
@@recrevs963 1: Ao 2012 final
2:Wimbledon 2019 final
3: Roland garros 2021 semi-final
RG 2013 semifinal between prime Nadal and prime Novak a 5 sets epic match on clay
@@mechanicinvictus1334 that is still a worse match than the 3 matches i typed above.
THE greatest tennis match ever!! I don't think this standard of tennis will be matched any time soon... AMAZING!!!
One of the best tennis matches I've ever seen! IDEMOOO NOLEEEE 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
❤❤❤
2 year and official channel finally uploads it. One of the greatest matches I've ever seen, what gladiators Rafa and Novak are. As a Novak fan I'm wishing the quickest of recovery for Nadal. I'll cherish next year whatever we have of one of the greatest rivalries of all sport.
I just hope if they play again, it will be somewhere outside of clay for once. 10 of their 18 major matches have been played at Roland Garros…I would like to see Novak obliterate Rafa at the AO or somewhere other than RG
@@mikemoggerson6651man, you are ruining the mood... Everyone knows that outside of clay, it will be a boring march.
@@letrantrung1because Rafa will have no chance that's why 😂😂
lol only a ‘greatest match’ for a Djokovic fan. It’s a poor match as Rafa was obviously injured. Yiu really think Rafa tires and can hardly move in a 4 set match without injury? lol. He took the next 6 months off
You do realise the same logic can be applied to your argument right? LOL @@yussepig6629
Best live tennis match I have seen and the whole match is like highlights every points is like best point
No words to discribe Nole's mental strengh!! THATS WHY HE IS THE G.O.A.T 👑🐐
goat of the numbers and rudeness not of tennis ...
@@Mlasse954So he has the best numbers in Football ?? He plays tennis he's got the best numbers in tennis and he's the Greatest of all time
then explain why novak wasnt number one in federer era he was only third, why he got bageled sine covid twice from nadal, this doesnt make sense, djokovic ate 2 begels since covid, novak just weak era dominator... No real competition rised for novak djokovic because tennis is private sport only for rich people if you are broke no one will even allow you to play tennis level on some grandslam tournaments djokovic won was crazy low half players injured half players retired and nothing serious for opponent, also he almost got bagelled 3rd time in this video first set if you are fking goat you just dont get bageled you dont.
@@Bensway7 What drugs are you on, I would like to try it.
@@Bensway7fedear played in worst Era. Novak has defeated him many times in semi and final. U can check H2H record
One of the greatest clay court tennis matches of all time. For sure. This was the real final of RG 2021.
Best RG semifinal was nadal djokovic 2013 a 5 sets match
That third set was just WOW..
I consider myself to be so lucky to have witnessed this kind of magic from both athletes..
Best tennis I have ever seen
People claiming nadal to be injured is just BS. He played at his best for 3 sets and a half, at a level even better than 2022. That missed volley in tiebreak cost him dearly else he couldve won 3rd set and possibly the whole thing. Only last 2-3 games he looked pale so please don't degrade one of rhe best matches at RG for a false narrative.
He was injured.
No one stays out of tennis for 6 months just to fish in the Balearic. It's a small sea.
@@CalebPereira9123 just watch the match no one can play like that while 'injured'. If he won this match then he would've beaten Tsitsipas too you know that.
@@virat5828
What happened the next year when he wasn't injured and the year before?
Let me know.
@@CalebPereira9123 exactly 2022 he was more injured, can't even walk in Rome. So don't take away credit from Novak, no one who saw the match live talked about injury.
@@virat5828
They literally did.
Talked about it for the next 7 months too.
Maybe you should read more news.
That 3rd set was some mind-blowing… violently beautiful tennis.
this is the best clay match that have ever been played and it will never happen again between two tennis giants!
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I think 2013 is better
The angle, the precision, the heavy spin, the speed, and the heat between these two are always unparalleled. A mythical rivalry
Matches like these with Rafa and Roger made Djokovic become the GOAT and break all the records! Go Djoko! ®️🍀👏😇⚡️
Spectacular match! What a Semifinal! Godness Me. Rafa was simply the favorite to Win Roland Garros but Nole was mentally strongest ! I think the match was one of the best 10 matches in tennis history. What a privilege to be a contemporary in Nadal and Djokovic's time . Thank you GOATs for giving us such a battle of the Titans! 👏🏽👏🏽🐐🐐
Out of this world tennis! The level of this match was played at a superhuman level. At that stage of a grand slam and given what was on the line...The third set has got to be one of the greatest sets of tennis I've ever had the privilege to watch. Enjoy it, because you may never see something like this again! The whole night, every point was just about a highlight. If Nadal didn't get injured and tired in the fourth set, and it went five, this would have been undoubtably the greatest match of all time; to this day. Merci Roland Garros.
I did not see any injury there. The match was played until the match point that Nadal lost due to a narrow miss. Did we watch the same match highlights?
@@rocksolidstoryline Yep, same match highlights. The match before with Diego Schawrtzman in the QFs Nadal was already on painkillers and had to blaze past him 6-0 in the final set. I saw the entire matches. He couldn't do that to Djokovic here. Nadal in the press said he could barely walk after this match. He had a long break after and had to skip the entire grass court season. Played 2 more matches in 2021 and had to end his season early in August. Check out his record on ATP and Wikipedia. I remember the commentators said if Nadal was younger, then the match would have gone 5. He definitely slowed down in the 4th set. See the double fault he had in the tiebreaker of the 3rd set? The first point, it was from exhaustion. Credit to Djokovic for pushing him there.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Rafael_Nadal_tennis_season
@@rocksolidstoryline Yes from what I remember, Nadal was on painkillers at least since the round of 16. He wasn't in his peak form and ran out of stamina by the 4th set. But take nothing away from Djokovic. Still, anyone else would have lost to Nadal that day. It took Djokovic to beat him.
One of the best matches for the past 23 years, for sure.
RG 2013 semifinal Nadal- djokovic is the best quality of tennis on clay in history, 5 sets unbelievable
30:38 That lob return was insane. Any other player would be lucky to get their racquet on the ball, but Djokovic gave it enough clearance and depth to force Rafa back behind the baseline. Nobody turns defence into offence like Nole.
Absolutely right, then the killer drop shot to end it
Zgadzam się w 100%😊
You are so right my man. I' ve rewinded this particular segment 3-4 times in slow mo just to grasp the exact movement of both players in the point.
Those saying Nadal was actually injured are so ridiculous... The guy was up 5-0 in the first, had a set point in the third, and missed the easiest volley of his career in the tiebreak... Novak was simply stronger that day, and it was a gruesome matchh
He’s injured every time he loses, according to his fans.
The thing is, Rafa needs a lot more specific court conditions to be dominant than Djokovic. He’s the best of all time on clay, there’s zero doubt there. But Djokovic has won many tournaments in slow courts, medium-slow courts, medium courts, medium-fast courts, and fast courts. Novak has won every single big annual title on tour MULTIPLE times, and is even more dominant on quick courts than slow courts despite a nasty myth spreader by haters. Nadal on the other hand, has yet to win Shanghai, Paris, Cincinnati, or ATP finals. 3 of those are quick indoor hard courts.
Their overall resume proves that Novak is simply the far more complete player. That’s why he has a triple career slam and double career golden masters. The fact that Nadal fans have every excuse after losing on his beloved clay to Djokovic is hilarious 😂
Agree 👍
In terms of tennis skills, the big 3 are too close to be distinguished of the discrepancies. Instead, when you stand on the court, the toughness and confidence are deciding.
@@DanilMarcusexactly !
Idiot Djokovic fans who refuse to acknowledge context. Every Djokovic opponent is always at their best. If Djokovic loses, then it was due to his own mistakes. The opponent was never better.
These people would probably implode if they ever attempted to live in reality. Denial is their world.
Ive witnessed some of the best matches in tennis of the last 25 years. The level of tennis in thhe 3rd set is right up there
Tennis from outerspace. CRAZY level.
Nadal vs Djokovic at RG is the best matchup. The best player of all time vs the best CLAY player of all time.
Finally a worthy upload. The greatest match at FO between the GOAT and KING of clay. 😎
The only player to win the title and beat Rafa en-route. 👏👏👏
RG 2013 SF between these two was the greatest match at RG. This is definitely one of the best, but it doesn’t exceed the quality of RG 2013. I think RG 2011 SF was also good
@@Divvy21Yep, as a Djokovic fan I agree, however most die hard fans think it’s this one because he won.
@@NamTran-xc2ip yeah, to me, RG 2013 is right up there with AO 2012 in terms of quality.
When did Djokovic touch the net? 2013?
@@recrevs963 yes. During the 4-3 40-40 point in the 5th set
What Novak did that day was nothing short of incredible he is amazing 🤩 an inspiration to us all kids and adults don’t give up and believe in yourself
22:30 really?, one of most exiting points that I have seen
If you’re wondering why Djokovic is a GOAT🐐, watch this match and the Australian Open final 2012, Wimbledon final 2019.
stan vs djoko AO 2013. stan vs djoko us open 2013.
But the rg 2021 vs rafa is simply brutal.
it's both satisfactory and painful to see those bulldozer forhands of rafa. you can feel how he hits the ball with literally every fiber of his being. what a toll on his body.
Nice to watch this highlight again.. idemo NOVAK!
The greatest tennis match in history. The most grueling, most testing, most memorable
Brilliant performance from both, who played on the limit using the line all the time! What a wonderful game!
I remember this match very well. I was watching with great attention. This was one of the best days... Novak Goatović
The most brutal tennis match of all time in the tennis history with powerful shots
More brutal is that they played at that level being supposedly "old." Giants!
The level of tennis in these points is unreal
that third set is one of the greatest sets in history
The greatest clay court match of all time
This is utopic tennis. You simply can’t play better than this. One of the best matches of history for the level both players expressed
Big champions of history. 🇦🇷👍🏻
RG 2013 semifinal prime djokovic and prime Nadal 5 sets match is the best match in the history of Roland Garros.
That 3rd set is the highest quality of tennis ever played
Maybe as 3rd set between djokovic and nadal on 2011 Usopen final
Novak has beaten rafa easily in every GS. 10 years since rafa has beaten him on any surface except for a rare few clay matches. Embarressing for rafa. Total domination for Novak.
Never embarrassing to lose to the GOAT 🤷
Best match of the 21st century!!
Nunca vi, ni creo que vuelva a ver, un nivel de partido tan alto como este.
Maybe the greatest tennis match of all time
The tension in this match was just unreal.
Le 3ème set c'est le meilleur niveau jamais atteint sur terre battu
One of the greatest matches in history of Roland Garros. Two fantastic fighters, incredible quality, long and amazing rallies. Very sad that covid didn't allow them to play with full stands, but it's very nice that game didn't end without an audience
We could even say that these are are one of the 10 greatest matches of all time ❤🔥🤩. We will be nostalgic for this match and this Era with Roger Rafa Djoko
I was personally there. As a Rafa fan, I felt devastated.
Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing Novak beat Nadal. Second is him beating Federer.
The way Novak raised his level at 0-2 in the fourth set against Nadal at Roland Garros was the most superhuman performance I've ever seen.
What nadal could do on clay was just unbelievable
@@tui1178 as wawrinka nadal fan i agree, djokovic does great things but i disagree that he is the goat, why he wasnt 1st in Federer era.
@@Bensway7From 2011-2016 24 Grand Slams, Djokovic 11, Nadal 5, Murray 3, Wawrinka 3, Federer only 1.
@@tui1178 I know, I am a Djokovic fan. I appreciate all great achievements in tennis.
@@Bensway7maybe because he was 6 years younger lol? Why did Federer take until 21 to win his first major but Djokovic won his first at 20?? Djokovic’s era when he started was much tougher than Fed beating mark philippoussis in 2003 🤣
@@xuntang1969Just curious, what are the 2005-2010 stats??
This one it was the most brilliant match I see. Congratulations, Djokovic , this time you play excellent.
That third set has to be the one of the greatest sets in tennis history. Wow!
Djokovics returning game in the last set was the best i have seen in my life
GOAT Djokovic beating Nadal at Roland Garros and winning the title... nobody has done this!!!! 🐐 🇷🇸
one of the best matches ive ever witnessed, by far. really up until the third set completion.
The only shame is that was not full stadium and crowd, this match is top 5 in history, surely
thanks for uploading this, True classic!
Those who say Nadal is injured are just making cowardly excuses. Injury that won the Rome tournament just before? Injured and raged to the RG semi-finals? Injury caused a record-long 97-minute set against Nole? If you lose, you have to accept it, don't blame it and feel embarrassed like that
When you know the final result, this is simply a treat to watch...ommmmm
This match proves that Novak Djokovic is one of the best tennis player ever on Clay court. I think he is the No. 2 on clay court behind Nadal.
Two of the greatest
These guys were so good
Miss this rivalry already
I do not understand how Nadal can say that Roger was his biggest rival not Djokovic.
Nadals forehand is a weapon on clay.
He is the one and only man who could do this to Nadal.
This is pure mental strength from Djokovic. He put his will into winning against Nadal in RG and achieved it. Something that is not respected enough is the mental strength and will power of Djokovic.
Third set is the best they ever played against each other
Watch 3rd set of usopen final 2011 between Nadal and djokovic was unbelievable all the set as this RG 2021 match
One of Novak's best performances. There is so little separating these two, it's uncanny. And while rafa may say federer was his biggest challenge.... It's always been Novak
no
The third set.. lung busting and mind boggling ❤..and the curfew extension all made this match a PURE CINEMA ❤❤
Djoković have tens and tens of big wins. This one among top 3 against Nadal. From 0:1 to 3:1. From 0:2 to 6:2 in the 4th set. Neverovatno!
Novak s nutrition is amazing he doesn’t even gets tired in this match
26:05 if there was ever a point in history that decided the championship in the semi-finals.
My top 10 best 4 set-match (2008 until now)
1. This match
2. Fedex vs Nole RG 2011
3. Nole vs Rafa US 2011
4. Thiem vs Rafa AO 2020
5. Rafa vs Berdych AO 2012
6. Stan vs Nole RG 2015
7. Fedex vs Murray Wim 2012
8. Rafa vs Fedex AO 2012
9. Nole vs Fedex Wim 2015
10. Thiem vs Zverev AO 2020
Australia 2012 final and RG 13
Can't wait for this FULL MATCH PLEASE 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Djokovic won the match but these highlights is about Nadal's winners 😮
Novak's greatest tactical display of all time. The top spin cross court forehand pushing Rafa outside the court on his backhand side worked like a charm!
Increíble Djokovic, estupendo, ❤❤❤
Extremely high quality. Third set tiebreak was pivotal. Had Nadal won that tiebreak, he was winning it in 4. Djokovic knew what he needed to do.
Great match! Nadal is still the king of clay though! Still, Djokovic was the better player in this one.
Que ALEGRÍA : el GRAN DJOKO ganándole a NADAL en Roland Garrós , la casa del MALLORQUÍN !!! . Allez , Allez NOLE ....
The 🐐took Nadal’s legs and broke his soul #23
It was always special meeting Novak and Rafa❤❤❤