Ousted French Open quarter-finalist Rafael Nadal has said that a big deal need not be made of his exit from the Grand Slam event, as it was not the first time, and also acknowledged winner Novak Djokovic to be better than him in terms of form at present.
Speaking to media after his loss, Rafael Nadal said of his second defeat in 72 career matches at the Roland Garros that he had lost here in 2009, and now, again in 2015, and this must not be seen as his end as a professional tennis player.
Speaking of Novak Djokovic, who conjured up 45 winners to his 16, Sport24 quoted Rafael Nadal, 29, as saying the former had played better than him.
Novak Djokovic said that though Rafa was not in good form, he still had a lot of respect for him as a player.
In Friday’s semi-finals, the 28-year-old Serb will meet No 3 Andy Murray, who eliminated 2013 runner-up David Ferrer 7-6 (4), 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. In the other semi-final Stan Warinka will play against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. (ANI)