A rain delay has saved Rafael Nadal’s chances of winning an 11th Roland Garros title as he trails Diego Schwartzman 4-6 5-3 30-15 in their quarter-final match.
The first set proved to be long as the opening two service holds took a combined 20 minutes to complete. The Argentinian feared nothing and struck the ball with such tenacity and aggression as after eight games he had a break lead twice before the Spaniard produced a quick response. However the world number 12 would strike for a third time as Nadal’s backhands lacked depth and spin, which Schwartzman took advantage of. In a long tenth game the Argentinian sealed the first set with a stunning forehand that clipped the back of the line.
The second set saw Nadal have some bandaging on his right wrist to prevent the sweat from reaching his forearm as Schwartzman continued his stunning tennis. The defending champion’s serve was looking vulnerable as the Argentinian broke twice in three games to lead 3-2 in the second set. After a 45 minute rain delay play resumed with Nadal hitting the ball so cleanly as the momentum had clearly shifted.
The 11th seed had become frustrated with how the momentum shifting as the Spaniard won the next three games to lead 5-3 in the set. As the world number one was on the brink of taking the second set, the rain intervened for a second time as the two players will resume with Nadal being two points away from levelling the match.
The Spaniard will be relieved that the rain has come after losing his first set at Roland Garros since 2015 and really struggling against a very aggressive Diego Schwartzman. Tomorrow’s weather looks much better as the Spaniard looks to take advantage and make another semi-final in Paris. The other men’s quarter-final on Suzanne Lenglen between Marin Cilic and Juan Martin Del Potro will finish tomorrow at 5-5 in the first set tiebreak.
Both matches will take place on their respective courts at 12pm local time, with the Women’s semi-finals being scheduled for not before 3pm on Chatrier.
