Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic in heavyweight French Open quarterfinal

A Grand Slam title wasn’t at stake, but the tension and standard of play couldn’t have been higher as top-ranked Novak Djokovic and 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal launched into the 59th meeting of their career-defining rivalry Tuesday night.

Before a capacity crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal prevailed, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), keeping alive the chance to add to his record number of French Open trophies and extend his men’s record total of 21 Grand Slam championships. While doing so, he denied Djokovic any shot at matching his Grand Slam record — at least at this tournament.