RAFAEL Nadal set up a blockbuster French Open quarter-final against world number one Novak Djokovic today, when he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set fourth round epic.

The Spaniard, the 13-time champion at Roland Garros and record 21 Grand Slam titles holder, triumphed over the Canadian 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a match that lasted four hours and 21 minutes.

It was only the third time in his 17-year, 111-match career in Paris that Nadal had been stretched to five sets.

Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 10th time at Roland Garros and 59th overall in a rivalry stretching back to 2006.

“We know each other well; we have a lot of history. The only thing I can say is that I will be focused, try my best and fight until the end,” he said of renewing his rivalry with the defending champion tomorrow.

Nadal also hailed Auger-Aliassime, who has been working with his uncle and former coach Toni since April last year.

“He is a great player, one of the best in the world. He is very young with a lot of power and great mobility.

“He was a very tough opponent for me; he is doing a lot of things well and has improved every year.

“He is a great guy and a good colleague on the tour.” – AFP, May 30, 2022.