French Open win No 99 for Rafael Nadal as he brushes aside Diego Schwartzman to reach 13th final

Rafael Nadal gained revenge on Diego Schwartzman to reach his 13th French Open final.
Schwartzman had managed his first victory over Nadal in 10 meetings at the Italian Open in Rome last month but a repeat never looked on the cards in the Spaniard’s fortress.
Nadal’s 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) victory made it 99 wins and only two defeats at Roland Garros and he will challenge for a 13th title on Sunday.
Nothing unlucky about this number for 🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal!
He moves into @rolandgarros final #️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ 👏 pic.twitter.com/APrlddGpoY
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2020
Victory would give him a 20th Grand Slam crown, drawing him level with Roger Federer at the top of the all-time list, and few would bet against him.
He was relentless for two and a half sets but a faltering finish will be a cause for optimism for whoever he faces in the final on Sunday.
From 4-2, Nadal’s grip on the match loosened and he had to save three break points at 5-5 before clinching the match on a tie-break to ensure he reached the final in Paris without dropping a set for the sixth time.
The crux of the match in many ways was a first set that averaged more than seven minutes a game. Nadal was largely conservative, using extra height on his shots to counteract the lack of spin caused by the cool, damp conditions.

Schwartzman had four break points but could only convert one while Nadal struck on both of his two chances, wearing the Argentinian down with his consistency and going to his attacking arsenal only when necessary.
Schwartzman lacked the attacking intensity he had shown in Rome, which was perhaps a legacy of his five-hour victory over Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals.
He looked down and out at 1-3 in the third set but dug in admirably, breaking Nadal twice in succession to pull back to 4-4. Now it was Schwartzman dictating much of the play but, with the Spaniard’s hold for 6-5, the door was closed.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.
-
ATP Tour
Kevin Anderson on potential ATP-WTA merger: ‘There have been no real discussions’
No ATP-WTA merger talks underway.
-
Australian Open
‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
“It’s not apples and apples here, but apples and pears.”