Rafael Nadal advanced to the Men's Singles Finals at the 2013 French Open after defeating the No. 1 ranked Novak Djokovic in five tough sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7 at Roland Garros. With the victory, Nadal ensures his defense of his 2013 French Open title and he will now wait for a challenger as David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga go head-to-head in their semifinals battle.
Djokovic wasn't comfortable late in the match and with tennis' version of overtime, neither player was giving in until finally, in the 16th game, Nadal got his break. Nadal made a couple of impossible shots and then Djokovic smacked a couple of forehands far too long. Djokovic had his complaints about the court and it was visible as he would try to jump in the air and get something behind his shots. Djokovic's forehands were too strong and Nadal wound up winning the game, the set and the match.
Unforced errors were a reoccurring theme in this matchup as Djokovic couldn't really get into a rhythm. He finished the match with 75 unforced errors. Regardless, with a match that went over four hours and a half, fans were treated to a beautiful game as these two dominant players stepped up just when it looked as though the game was favoring their opponent.
Just when it looked as though Nadal was going to run away with the second set, Djokovic tightened his game and rallied back from a 2-1 deficit breaking Nadal twice and eventually took 5-3 lead in a set he eventually put away and won.
Both players exchanged sets, but in the end, it was Nadal who was able to put the match away and now he will return to the Finals of his most successful tournament. He will advance and have a chance to capture his eighth French Open title.
