Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will add another chapter to their rivalry when they face off in a much-anticipated clash on Friday (June 11) but there will be more at stake than just a spot in the French Open final. A semi-final battle between world number one Djokovic and 13-time Roland Garros winner Nadal was the expected outcome once they were placed on the same side of the draw after the Spaniard slipped down the rankings to third behind Russian Daniil Medvedev.


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It would be a 58th career meeting between the pair with Nadal looking to draw level with Djokovic on 29 wins while the victor would also book a 29th Grand Slam final appearance, behind only Roger Federer on 31. The 35-year-old Spaniard, a year older than Djokovic, is, however, the more dominant of the two on clay and has gone on to win the title at Roland Garros all 13 times he has reached the last-four stage.


Djokovic, who lost to Nadal in a one-sided final last year, and the retired Robin Soderling are the only players to have defeated the Spaniard on the red clay in Paris. “I’m confident. I believe I can win, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Let’s have a great battle,” Djokovic said of the matchup.


A win on Friday will also give the victor a chance to shake up the race for the most men’s Major titles. Nadal could take sole ownership of the record with a win on Sunday and move ahead of Federer with 21 titles while a second Roland Garros trophy would move Djokovic to 19.


German Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece meet in the other semi-final with both chasing a maiden Grand Slam title. Many pundits believe that the four best men’s players have reached the last-four stage and the odds are no longer heavily stacked against the younger generation to upset Nadal and Djokovic in a Major final. “When you looked at the draw this is the dream scenario,” seven-time major winner and Eurosport tennis expert Mats Wilander said.


Here are the complete details for the French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal:


When is the French 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal?


The French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will take place on Friday, June 11.


What are the timings of the French 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal?


The French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will start around 9:00 PM IST.


Where is the French 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal being played?


The French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be played in the Phillipe-Chartier stadium at Roland Garros in Paris.


Which channel will broadcast the French 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal?


The French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will be broadcast on Star Sports Select.


How can I livestream the French 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal?


The livestreaming of the French Open 2021 semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal is available on Disney+ Hotstar.