As the two greatest rivals in men’s tennis met once again at the French Open, most factors pointed towards a Novak Djokovic victory. Most experts suggested a night match would favour the Serb while both he and Rafael Nadal had arrived in the clay court season full of uncertainty, only Djokovic had taken notable steps forward since. Nadal still searched for his best form after his fractured rib and foot complications. He had also just come off a five-set win against Felix Auger-Aliassime while Djokovic had looked imperious en route. A classic encounter, nevertheless, ensued.

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