It’s time for Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal!

The time has come for the most awaited quarter-final in Roland Garros’ recent history as World No.1 Djokovic will meet the 9-time French Open Champion, Rafael Nadal on Wednesday for their quarter-final encounter in this year’s Roland Garros. The meeting between the two stars is at a much earlier stage than what could have been expected at the start of this year, as Nadal was still at his best and also at the top positions of the ATP rankings. But the story has drastically changed this year, as Nadal has really struggled to get his game going and hasn’t been the same awe-inspiring Nadal that we’re so used to see.

The 9-time French Open champion went past a spirited Jack Sock with 6-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 victory. Nadal closed the match with 34 winners and 32 unforced errors, which showed glimpses of his best tennis. When forced into defensive mode, the Spaniard showed some these glimpses that made him a feared opponent on clay, and also lifted his forehand speed and accuracy. Jack Sock did hit 31 winners, but had 44 unforced errors to his name (a direct consequence of Nadal’s impressive defensive efforts).

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic dispatched Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 on his pursuit for the only Grand Slam missing in his trophy collection. Novak fired 47 winners and just 25 unforced errors; he closed the contest with a quality backhand drop. Despite the little groin issue that troubled him a few days back, the Serb clearly played some ruthless tennis.

Playing Rafael Nadal in the French Open quarter-finals, Djokovic says, will be ‘the biggest possible challenge for me on clay’.

“I’m very excited,” said the number one seed. “It will be a great match.”

In his 71 matches at Roland Garros, the 9-time champion has only ever lost once – to Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009. And Djokovic is unbeaten in his last 26 matches.

Wednesday’s quarter-final will be the 44th time Djokovic and Nadal have played each other. Nadal leads 23-20 head to head.