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 4-3 Nadal* (30-15)
A bizarre point at 15-15. Nadal scurries to reach a drop shot, but with the court at his mercy, Federer hits a dolly for Nadal to smash away!
Federer 3-6 4-3 Nadal* (30-30)
Wait, what? Did Nadal just double fault?
First double of the match, and it's 30-30. Big couple of points coming up.
Federer 3-6 4-3 Nadal* (40-30)
Wow. The point looks to be Federer's, but Nadal hits the line with another backhand crosscourt passing shot.
Game point to Rafa...
Federer 3-6 4-3 Nadal* (40-40)
Federer has to scamper in this point, but he does so effectively. A drop shot, and a backhand passing shot guided down the line means it's deuce.
This is huge.
Federer 3-6 4-3 Nadal* (Ad Nadal)
Unreal from both players.
Ferocious hitting by Federer, but Rafa somehow wins the point via a forehand down the line. A chance to escape here for Rafa.
*Federer 3-6 4-4 Nadal
NADAL HOLDS!
Federer nets the return, and the pressure is back on the Swiss maestro now.
You feel that was a big opportunity missed. Federer has found his range now, and both players striking the ball with much more freedom as the wind has died down.
*Federer 3-6 4-4 Nadal (40-15)
This is just brilliant tennis.
Federer plays a drop shot with an unbelievable amount of backspin, and reaches 40-0. A slice goes long though.
*Federer 3-6 4-4 Nadal (40-40)
Federer goes just wide with a forehand and from 40-0 we're at 40-30...
Roger shanks a backhand wide, and it's deuce. Federer cannot afford to be broken here...
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