Rafael Nadal delivers further retirement warning after beating Novak Djokovic at French Open

Rafael Nadal described his win over Novak Djokovic at the French Open as ’emotional’ but warned he still fears this year will be his last at the tournament.

Nadal, who is chasing a 14th title at Roland Garros, faced Djokovic for the 59th time on Tuesday and managed to dominate the key moments before claiming a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 win in just over four hours.

The match was typically an incredible spectacle and feast of outstanding tennis, as it always is when these two players meet, but it was Nadal who emerged to battle Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.

“In the end it has been a very emotional night for me,” Nadal said. “I’m still playing for nights like today.

“But it’s just a quarter-finals match? So I didn’t win anything. I just give myself a chance to be back on court in two days. Playing another semi-finals here in Roland Garros means a lot to me.”

Before the match Nadal warned this could be his final Roland Garros due to his foot injury, although many wondered whether it was just some mind games before the key clash against Djokovic.