Djokovic vs Nadal: Six of the Best Grand Slam Matches

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, two of tennis' greatest legends, have produced numerous epic battles over the years. As they prepare to meet for the 60th time at the Olympic Games, AFP Sport revisits six of their most memorable Grand Slam encounters:

When Djokovic Won:

1. 2012 Australian Open Final

Score: Djokovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5

In what became the longest Grand Slam final in history, Djokovic overcame Nadal in five hours and 53 minutes. Trailing 4-2 in the fifth set, Djokovic rallied to secure his seventh consecutive win against Nadal. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic said, "I think it comes out on the top because, just the fact that we played almost six hours is incredible." An exhausted Nadal admitted, "Physically it was the toughest match I ever played."

2. 2015 French Open Quarter-Final

Score: Djokovic 7-5, 6-3, 6-1

Djokovic joined Robin Soderling as the only men to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, ending the Spaniard's dominance on the Parisian clay. Despite eventually losing the final to Stan Wawrinka, Djokovic cherished the victory: "It's definitely a big win, a match that I will remember for a long time." Nadal, celebrating his 29th birthday, conceded, "He was better than me. That's it. It's very simple."

3. 2018 Wimbledon Semi-Final

Score: Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11/9), 3-6, 10-8

Following a shocking French Open exit, Djokovic contemplated skipping Wimbledon. However, he returned to triumph over Nadal in another marathon match lasting five hours and 15 minutes. Djokovic saved five break points in the final set, later expressing, "One of the longest matches of my career. I am overwhelmed." Nadal simply stated, "I have not much more inside me. I gave it my best."

When Nadal Won:

4. 2012 French Open Final

Score: Nadal 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5

Played over two days due to rain delays, Nadal emerged victorious after three hours and 49 minutes, securing his seventh French Open title. Nadal remarked, "It is an honour and for me the most important tournament, the greatest in my eyes. This is an unforgettable moment." Djokovic acknowledged, "The playing conditions were not good. But it's not anybody's fault, and it's not the reason why I lost today."

5. 2013 French Open Semi-Final

Score: Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 9-7

Nadal was aiming for his eighth Roland Garros title while Djokovic sought to complete the career Grand Slam. Despite leading 4-2 in the final set, Djokovic couldn't maintain his advantage. Nadal dug deep to win after four hours and 37 minutes, graciously stating, "I want to congratulate Novak, he's a great champion and he will win here at Roland Garros one day, I'm sure." Djokovic, despite the loss, noted, "It's been an unbelievable match but all I can feel now is disappointment. I congratulate him, that's why he's a champion."

6. 2014 French Open Final

Score: Nadal 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4

Nadal thwarted Djokovic's attempt to complete the career Grand Slam once more, claiming his ninth French Open title and 14th Grand Slam overall. Djokovic took the first set, but Nadal's resilience prevailed in the brutal 30-degree heat. Nadal called the tournament "the most important, the greatest in my eyes." Djokovic acknowledged, "I was not at the level I was at when I beat him in Rome last month. It takes it out of you. Rafa was the better player."

As Djokovic and Nadal prepare for yet another showdown, fans eagerly anticipate whether history will repeat itself or if a new chapter will be written in their storied rivalry.