"Not the first time that Rafael Nadal is able to come out 100% physically fit few days after he's injured and barely walking" - Novak Djokovic after QF loss at French Open

Rafael Nadal showed Novak Djokovic the exit door at the 2022 French Open on Tuesday with a magnificent 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) win in the quarterfinals. Nadal played immaculate tennis from start to finish, not giving the Serb a whiff of a chance and closing out victory in just over four hours.

During his press conference after the defeat, Djokovic was asked to comment on Nadal's physical conditioning during the match keeping in mind his recent injury concerns.

The Spaniard was sidelined for close to six months last year due to a chronic foot injury. He then suffered a stress fracture in his ribs in March this year and struggled with his foot upon his comeback a month later.

However, the Serb bluntly declared that he did not see any signs of physical problems in the Spaniard.

"I didn't see any problems," said the Serb. "No, I'm not (surprised by his physical condition)."

Nadal also spent over four hours on the court in his fourth-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Sunday. The match lasted five sets, a fact pointed out to Djokovic by the journalist, possibly in a bid to get a more detailed response from the Serb.

The World No. 1 stressed that Nadal's swift recovery no longer surprises him, since he has done it throughout his career.

"No, I'm not surprised at all," the Serb continued. "It's not the first time that he, you know, is able to few days after he's injured and barely walking to come out 100% physically fit. You know, he's done it many times in his career, so I'm not surprised."

"Congrats to Rafael Nadal and his team, no doubt he deserved it" - Novak Djokovic

During the presser, Djokovic also admitted that the 13-time champion was the "better player" in key points.

"Well, congratulations to Nadal. He was a better player I think in important moments," said the Serb.

Nadal raced to a 6-2, 3-0 lead in the match before the World No. 1 clawed his way back to restore parity. However, the Mallorcan brushed off Djokovic's comeback to nose ahead as soon as the third set began, regaining control of the match.

The 20-time Major champion highlighted how the 13-time French Open champion elevated his game in the third set.

"(Nadal) Started very well. You know, I didn't start so great, 6-2, 3-Love, double break down," he said. "I was gaining momentum as I was coming back in the second set, managed to win the second set, and I thought, okay, you know, I'm back in the game."

"But then he had another two, three fantastic games at the beginning of the third," he continued. "He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those, particularly moments at the beginning of all sets, actually, except the fourth."

The defending champion served for the fourth set and was a point away from taking the match into a decider on a couple of occasions. However, he failed to close it out, costing him the match and leaving him crestfallen.

"I had my chances. You know, I had my chances in the fourth. Served for the set, couple set points," Djokovic said. "Yeah, just one or two shots. Could have taken me into a fifth. Then it's really anybody's match."

The Serb reiterated his admiration for Nadal, calling the Mallorcan a "great champion."

"But again, he showed why he's a great champion," Djokovic said. "You know, staying there mentally tough and finishing the match the way he did. Congrats to him and his team. No doubt he deserved it."

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Also Check Out :- French Open 2022 Results