Nadal battles past Auger-Aliassime in 5 sets to set up Djokovic clash at Roland Garros

| by Balasz Virag

It was a great run for the young Canadian at the 2022 Roland Garros, but he was stopped by Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.

The experienced Spaniard is aiming to win his 22nd Grand Slam title as well as his 14th title at the Roland Garros. After cruising through the first three rounds without losing a set, Rafael Nadal won in five sets against Felix Auger-Aliassime who is coached by his uncle Toni Nadal.

"Toni is my uncle. I don't think he'll want me to lose but he's professional" - Nadal on facing uncle Toni
"Toni is my uncle. I don't think he'll want me to lose but he's professional" - Nadal on facing uncle Toni

In the third game of the first set, Nadal had three breakpoints but failed to use them. On the other hand, his opponent was successful in the next game and got a 3-1 lead. Then, Rafa could have broken him back in the following game, but 40-0 lead was not enough and so he found himself 5-1 down. Despite getting one break back Auger-Aliassime won the first set 6-3.

The story was much different in the second set. Fans in the French capital saw less breaks, but after the Canadian failed to use his chances, Nadal got the break in the eight game and won the set 6-3. He continued playing in the great rhythm as he didn't allow Auger-Aliassime to have a single breakpoint in the third set and won it 6-2.

In the fourth set, Auger-Aliassime managed to come back as he won it 6-3, but in the last set, Nadal was ruthless once again. Eventually, he won the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 after four hours and 23 minutes. In the quarterfinals, he will take on Novak Djokovic who defeated Diego Schwartzman earlier on Sunday.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal greets a boy that runs on court after the match at Roland Garros
WATCH: Rafael Nadal greets a boy that runs on court after the match at Roland Garros

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