French Open 2019: Result from Roland Garros as Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer
All the latest updates from Roland Garros
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Your support makes all the difference.Roger Federer has been knocked out by Rafael Nadal in the French Open semi-final in what might be one of the last occasions we see these two legends of tennis go head to head on such a major stage.
For both Federer, 37, and Nadal, 33, chances to add to their extraordinary haul of grand slam titles will not keep coming along forever, and Nadal did not pass up the opportunity.
Both players progressed serenely to the last four, each dropping only one set en route, and Nadal clinched the match in straight sets to reach the final. Re-live it live:
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Federer 3-6 4-5 Nadal*
NADAL BREAKS!
Federer brings Rafa into the net with a drop shot, but instead of finishing the volley off, Nadal reads him and intercepts with a volley winner himself!
Five points in a row for Nadal, and could that be curtains for Federer?
Nadal will serve for a two-set lead.
Federer 3-6 4-5 Nadal* (30-0)
Federer suddenly struggling with the wind, and Nadal is two points from set no.2 here...
Federer 3-6 4-5 Nadal* (40-0)
Federer unable to make his return, and Nadal has THREE SET POINTS...
Effectively match points, to be honest.
*Federer 3-6 4-6 Nadal
NADAL WINS THE SECOND SET!
Federer hits a forehand way long, and Nadal now has a two set lead against the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Long way back for the Swiss now. Not impossible, but on clay and given Rafa's 11-0 record in French Open semi-finals, near-impossible.
If anyone can though, it's Roger Federer.
*Federer 3-6 4-6 Nadal (30-30)
Nadal is bang on it now, and claws back a 30-0 deficit with two forehand winners. Must hold here for Fed.
*Federer 3-6 4-6 Nadal (40-40)
BREAK POINT NADAL!
Another forehand winner by Nadal sets it up - is this the final straw? Not yet - Nadal nets a forehand with Federer stranded.
Federer 3-6 4-6 1-0 Nadal*
Big hold for Federer, as Rafa mistimes a few shots to hand Roger the game.
Very important that Federer sticks to his gameplan and stays aggressive. He's just got to hope Nadal's level drops a little - wishful thinking perhaps.
*Federer 3-6 4-6 1-1 Nadal
Nadal holds to love with ease - powerful serves and forehands too much for Federer.
*Federer 3-6 4-6 1-1 Nadal (0-30)
Trouble for Federer.
Nadal passes for 0-15, and then Federer misses a gimme forehand at the net due to the wind and a bad bounce.
Pressure well and truly on now.
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