Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer will play the first all-Spanish final at the French Open since 2002 as both moved through with vastly contrasting wins.
King of clay Nadal, on the prowl for a record eighth trophy at Roland Garros, needed to scratch and struggle for more than four and a half hours to finally overcome top seed Novak Djokovic in a 6—4, 3—6, 6—1, 6—7 (3—7), 9—7 epic.
Ferrer crushed French hopes with a quick 6—1, 7—6 (7—3), 6—2 demolition of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was bidding to become the first home player to lift the men’s title since Yannick Noah in 1982.
The last time two Spaniards met for the trophy was a dozen years ago when Albert Costa beat Juan Carlos Ferrero.
The Nadal-Djokovic battle was reminiscent of a similar struggle in the Australian Open final last year won by Djokovic after nearly six hours on court.
Nadal was broken while serving for victory in the fourth set but came from 4—2 down in the fifth. Along the way he was helped by a shanked return which landed dead on the line and a fifth-set miss from Djokovic on a leaping overhead in response to Nadal “tweener” (between his legs).
The Spaniard who has lost only one of his 59 matches at the major and holds a 19—4 record over Ferrer, who reached his first Grand Slam final without the loss of a set.
If Nadal wins Sunday, he will be the first man to win one Grand Slam tournament eight times.
Nadal has won six titles this season, five on clay, and now stands 20—15 over Djokovic, who is his biggest current rival.
“This was a real emotional match, that’s the real thing,” said Nadal. “Both of us played for a lot of moments at very high level.
These kind of matches make the sport big. I lost similar one in Australia. Today was for me.
“I’m so happy the way that I played, and more than happy the way that I fought in the fifth set after losing big chance in the fourth (he twice was up a break). That’s probably the most difficult thing to do it, and I did it.
“These kind of matches are special for us and for the people. I really hope to have the chance to keep playing tennis for a lot of years and have the chance to keep having rivals like Novak.”
The Spaniard finished with 61 winners and 44 unforced errors while Djokovic lost on 75 unforced errors as the Serb top seed went for every shot in the duel after beating Nadal in the Monte Carlo final six weeks ago.
“The only way Novak knows is to fight,” said Nadal. “I was expecting a huge match. When I served for it in the fourth set I was against the wind so I knew it would be difficult.”
Djokovic’s disappointment
Djokovic confessed to bitter disappointment after coming so close against Nadal at the only grand slam he hasn’t won.
“I lost the match after five hours,” said the Serb. “I wanted this title so much, so I am disappointed. That’s it, that’s the way I feel. “But I don’t think it’s gonna take the toll on me. I’ve been in these situations before.
“Hopefully I can use this next period that is coming up to recover and mentally get motivated to again to play my best tennis in Wimbledon.
“(Nadal) showed the courage in the right moments and went for his shots. When he was a break down in the fifth he made some incredible shots from the baseline. “I congratulate him, that’s why he’s a champion. That’s why he’s been ruling Roland Garros for many years, and for me it’s another year.”
Nadal became the fourth man in the post-1968 Open era to make eight appearances in the final at one Grand Slam, along with Roger Federer (Wimbledon), Ivan Lendl (US Open) and Pete Sampras (US Open).
The Spaniard will be bidding for his 42nd career clay title.
Ferrer’s performance
Ferrer seemed stunned with the quality of his performance against Tsonga, who struck more than 50 unforced errors and only really got into the match in the second set where he wasted a set point at 5—4.
“I feel good, I’m so happy,” said the 31-year-old winner. “Being in a Roland Garros final is a dream for me. I may be older but it means I have the experience.
“I want to enjoy this moment and then focus on the final against Rafa. I’m not tired, I feel fresh. But when I play Rafa I need to be at 100 per cent in I’m to play a good match against him. For sure, I will fight a lot.”