Live updates for 2021 French Open final: Novak Djokovic fights back to win third set against Stefanos Tsitsipas

French Open 2021 final live score: Novak Djokoivc fights back vs Stefanos Tsitsipas

a group of people looking at a cell phone

23:06 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Novak Djokovic creates history

22:48 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 5 live: Tsitsipas holds, Djokovic to sserve for the match

Tension building around at the Philippe Chattrier as Stefanos Tsitsipas managed to hold another tough service game. Novak Djokovic will now serve for the match. Can he get it done now?

22:37 IST Akshay Ramesh

5th set live: Stefanos Tsitsipas hangs on, holds crucial serve

Stefanos Tsitsipas is refusing to go away. The 22-year-old has managed to hold his serve after a firm challenge from Djokovic to make it 3-4 in the final set. The 5th seed is looking tired but he is making life difficult for Djokovic. A crucial service game coming up for the Serb, who looked more determined than ever in the decider.

22:23 IST Akshay Ramesh

5th set live: Comfortable hold to love from Djokovic

Djokovic is moving along nicely. His serve is back to its best and that too in the decicer. He holds to love to go 3-1 up. Can he maintain the intensity? Tsitsipas needs a special effort from here on to stop the Serb.

22:19 IST Akshay Ramesh

5th set live: The machine breaks to go 2-1 up

Novak Djokovic gets a hard-fought break. What a game! The two players went toe-to-toe with some stunning winners but the Serb holds on and converts a break point. He goes 2-1 up in the fifth set. Does Stefanos Tsitsipas have enough left in the tank to stage a comeback?

For those of you, who missed a stunning get from Djokovic in that game, please catch up on the highlights package. Absolute beast!

22:06 IST Akshay Ramesh

5th set live: Tsitsipas holds, morale booster

Stefanos Tsitsipas holds! A massive game as he batted hard after facing a break point. He is looking pumped up after that game. Can he do some damage in Djokovic's serve? We are in for a thriller of a decier!

21:59 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 5 live: Can Tsitsipas repeat what he did in the semis?

Keep in mind, Stefanos Tsitsipas had come back after losing the 3rd and the 4th set against Alexander Zverev in the semi-final. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic had come back from 2 sets down against Lorenzo Musetti earlier in the tournament. Who will win the final set shootout? What a final we are witnessing. It has already gone past 3 hours and 30 minutes.

22:01 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Djokovic takes 4th set 6-2, forces a decider

Novak Djokovic is doing it again. He has come back from 2 sets down to force a decider. He takes the fourth set 6-2. Can he pull off another remarkable comeback? He knows he is edging closer to No. 19. He has the experience of doing it. Can he get the job done?

21:41 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 4 live: Novak Djokovic goes 3-0 up

Solid start from Novak Djokovic to the 4th set. He goes a double break up and leads Stefanos Tsitsipas 3-0. Are we heading towards another 5-setter? Djokovic seems to have the momentum completely here.

21:27 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 4 Live: Novak Djokovic gets the early break

Are there nerves? Stefanos Tsitsipas is looking a little tired as well. He got medical attention for a back injury concern. And he lets Novak Djokovic get an early break in the 4th set. A couple of errors off the forehand and Djokovic seizes the opportunity. A change in momentum,.

21:19 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Tsitsipas takes a time-out after the 3rd set

It's time for Stefanos Tsitsipas to take a time-out now. He wanted a change in attire and was also heard telling the chair umpire that he needs his physio. It seems Tsitsipas has gone inside for a bathroom break too. Novak Djokovic is left to ponder in the middle of the court. Can he mount another comeback? A crucial set coming up.

21:20 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Djokovic takes the 3rd set 6-3

That's a 50-minute set and Novak Djokovic prevails to stay in the game. He takes it 6-3. Is this the start of a long road back for the 18-time Grand Slam champion? Can he get going? Both players are looking a little tired and Stefano Tsitsipas is getting some attention there.

21:06 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 3 live: Djokovic holds for 5-2 lead

Gutsy service hold from Novak Djokovic. That delightful drop shot was in action again. Stefanos Tsitsipas looked to trouble him better than in the Serb's previous service game. It's important Tsitsipas makes it harder for Djokovic in this set. If he goes down 2-6, things might change in favour of Djokovic. But still, a long way to go in this match.

20:54 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 3 live: Djokovic breaks after Tsitsipas battles hard

What a game! Stefanos Tsitsipas is finally broken in the third set. Novak Djokovic goes 3-1 up! Is this the start of a comeback? Still a long way to go but this would give Djokovic some hope. Tsitsipas saved 4 break points as Djokovic missed a simple forehand winner but the Serb refused to go away. Top-class tennis and a lifeline for Djokovic!

20:41 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 3 live: Crucial hold for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is managing to stay in the match. He looks a bit rusty even as he holds a crucial serve. Stefanos Tsitsipas is hitting the winners cleanly and looks the sharper of the two. Can Djokovic find a way back? A break now will help him a bit.

20:44 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 3 live: Tsitsipas holds to make it 1-1

No pressure on Stefanos Tsitsipas. He does the job well after winning the first two sets. Holds his serve comfortably to go 1-1 in the third set. A game closer to creating history.

20:29 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Stefanos Tsitsipas takes second set 6-2

It's one-way traffic now in Paris! Stefanos Tsitsipas takes the second set 6-2. Complete dominance in that set. He raised his game towards the end of the first set and made sure he carried the momentum. Keep in mind, Djokovic had won a match after being two sets down in the ongoing edition. However, this being the final, and Djokovic looking a bit tired, it looks a Himalayan task at the moment. But write him off at your peril!

20:23 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 2 live: Tsitsipas gets the 2nd break of the set

What a fight this has been from Tsitsipas! He gets the second break in the second set and goes 5-2 up. Novak Djokovic is looking more tired out of the two. How much did that Rafael Nadal match take out of him? Keep in mind, he has been playing high-intensity encounters throughout his campaign at Roland Garros. He fended off Lorenzo Musetti in five sets and Berrettini in 4 sets before the Nadal match.

20:15 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 2 live: Djokovic holds to love, makes it 2-3

A hold to love for Novak Djokovic after a long time. He is slowly looking more sharper now. Can Stefanos Tsitsipas continue putting pressure on the Serb? You can never write him off and we have seen that more than once in this edition of Roland Garros as well.

20:07 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 2 live: Djokovic holds to make it 1-2

Novak Djokovic finally holds a serve in the second set. He makes it 1-2 in the second set. But he is not looking sharp here. Tsitsipas is dominating the rallies. Can the Serb get a break back and get back into this contest? He needs one right now.

20:00 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 2 Live: Tsitsipas breaks early in the second set

What a start to the 2nd set! He was hanging around with Novak Djokovic in the first set but Stefanos Tsitsipas has gone ahead early in the second set with a break. He leads the second set 1-0. Can he continue the momentum that he has found here? The crowd is rallying behind him at the moment.

19:56 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open live: Tsitsipas wins first-set tie-breaker

Stefanos Tsitsipas does it! He wins the first set in the tie-breaker - 7-6(6). What grit and character from the young man, who is matching Novak Djokovic blow-by-blow. The first set extended to 69 minutes.

Djokovic saved a set point and got the first break of the match but Tsitsipas responded brilliantly with by breaking back immediately. He forced a tie-breaker and dominated it. From 0-4 down, Djokovic went 6-5 up but Tsitisipas refused to go away. He won the next three points to take the first set.

Pressure on Novak?

19:42 IST Akshay Ramesh

1 set live: Tsitsipas forces a tie-breaker after breaking back

Solid from Tsitsipas! It feels as if he is playing in his 29th Grand Slam final. He was broken at a crucial juncture but Tsitsipas breaks back to force a tie-breaker. Some superb tennis already from both these players.

19:36 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final live:; Djokovic breaks to go 6-5 up

Novak Djokovic does it once again. He wriggled out of a difficult situation by saving a set point and then converted his first break point. He will serve for the first set now. Pressure on young Stefanos Tsitsipas.

19:32 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Djokovic saves a set point to make it 5-5

How tough is this guy mentally? Novak Djokovic saved a set point with a stunning rally wherein he was at his defensive best. A long rally and Tsitsipas got a taste of how it feels when each one of your shot is returned with precision. Djokovic's first-serve percentage has come down but he holds to make it 5-5. Important for the 18-time Grand Slam champion.

19:23 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Tsitsipas goes 5-4 up

WOW! Stefanos Tsitsipas is covering the court very much like the man on the other side of the net. Djokovic is playing the drop shots that worked well against Nadal but Tsitsipas has been able to retrieve most of them and find winners from incredible positions. Barring the first double fault, there has been no signs of nerves from the Greek youngster, playing his first Grand Slam final.

19:17 IST Akshay Ramesh

RG final live: Djokovic avoids injury after nearly colliding into ad board

Novak Djokovic is lucky he didn't crash into the ad board near the net after he failed to retrieve a fine drop shot from Stefanos Tsitsipas. He takes a couple of minutes to regather himself and is back on the court. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Greek star has been playing some superb tennis. He is matching Djokovic toe-to-toe and goes 4-3 up in the first set.

19:01 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Djokovic makes it 2-2 in evenly-fought contest

Another service hold in the blink of an eye from Novak Djokovic. He plays a delightful drop to make it 2-2 in the first set. We saw a lot of these finely-timed drops in his win against Nadal. He looks determined tonight.

18:59 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Tsitsipas holds for a 2-1 lead

Stefanos Tsitsipas does it relatively easier this time. Some terrific ball-striking from the youngster He made Djokovic run around a bit in that game. He hit a forehand down-the-line winner and that should have given him some confidence. It's been a closely-fought contest so far. Both of them are switched on here.

18:54 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Novak Djokovic holds to love

Novak Djokovic holds comfortably. After making Stefanos Tsitsipas work hard in the first game, he holds to love. A terrific response from World No. 1 who is looking confident out in the middle. Is it going to be his day in Paris?

18:51 IST Akshay Ramesh

Set 1 live: Tsitsipas holds with a couple of aces

Character on display from Stefanos Tsitsipas early in the match! He began with a double fault but finishes the game off to hold his serve with 3 aces. Good backhand game from both the players and Tstispas was made to work hard for the hold of serve.

18:43 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final live: It gets underway in Paris

Stefanos Tsitsipas gets the final underway in Paris. Plenty of cheers for both the players from the crowd at the Philippe Chattrier. And it's not been a good start for the youngster. He begins with a double fault. Nerves?

18:42 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final live: Is Djokovic feeling fatigued?

Novak Djokovic needed more than 4 hours to beat Rafaefl Nadal in an epic semi-final encounter. Can he sustain the intensity against Stefanos Tsitsipas who has pushed him to the limits in their last 2 clay-court meeting?

"It's not the first time that I play an epic semi-final in a Grand Slam and then I have to come back in less than 48 hours and play finals,” he said.

“My recovery abilities are pretty good, I must say, throughout my career," Djokovic added.

18:39 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open: The Nadal curse at Roland Garros

Players who have beaten Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros have not managed to go on and win the French Open. Novak Djokovic knows that well as he defeated Nadal in 2015 before losing to Stan Wawrinka in the final. Robin Soldering did so in 2009 and he lost the final to Roger Federer.

18:36 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final live: Djokovic, Tsitsipas make their way into the Chattrier

5,000 fans have been allowed to watch the men's singles final at the Philippe Chattier. Stefanos Tsitsipas makes his way into the court first and he has been followed by Novak Djokovic, who starts as favourite to win tonight's final.

18:26 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final: Djokovic vs Tsitsipas - H2H

Djokovic hold a 5-2 head-to-head record against Tsitsipas. More importantly, Djokovic has beaten Tsitsipas in all their three meetings on clay. However, the 22-year-old Greek player has managed to push the Serb in their last two meetings.

In the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome last month, Djokovic lost the first set of his quarter-final before winning it in three sets. Tsitsipas had the opportunity to win it as he was serving for the match at 5-4 in the final set only to squander it.

At last year's French Open, Djokovic needed 5 sets to beat Tsitsipas in the semi-final and set up a final against Nadal.

18:19 IST Akshay Ramesh

French Open final live: Can Tsitsipas tested Djoker?

Stefanos Tsitsipas showed he can fight his way through setbacks in his 5-set win over Alexaner Zverev in the men's singles semi-final. After going up two sets, the Greek player, seeded 5th, lost the next two but maintained his composure to dispose off Zverev and book a place in his maiden Grand Slam final.

Having pushed Djokovic to the limits at last year's semi-final in Paris, Tstitsipas will be confident of troubling the great Serb tonight.

18:12 IST Akshay Ramesh

RG 2021 final live: Novak Djokovic eyes history

Novak Djokovic is bidding to become the first-ever man to win all four Grand Slams at least twice in the Open Era. He will be featuring in his 29th Grand Slam final and his 5th at Roland Garros. Djokovic won the French Open title in 2016 but was blown away in last year's title match by 13-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic came up with a clinical display in a classic semi-final outing against Nadal, who lost in the last-four round at the Roland Garros for the first time in the history of the tournament.

Can Djokovic go all the way tonight?

18:07 IST Akshay Ramesh

It's time for French Open 2021 men's singles final

It's a big day for tennis fans across the globe. Novak Djokovic, the World No. 1, is bidding for his 19th Grand Slam title as he looks to inch closer towards Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's joint record of 20 Grand Slam titles in the Open Era. On the other side of the net, he has 21-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas who will be featuring in his first Grand Slam final.

Whom are you backing tonight?

Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal LIVE: French Open 2021 semi-final latest updates from Roland Garros

It’s as epic as we anticipated, as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal battle for a place in the French Open 2021 final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated Alexander Zverev earlier.

This is one of the all-time great rivalries in sport, with Djokovic holding a slight advantage overall, leading 29-28 in the head-to-head.

But it is the Spaniard who holds an overall advantage head-to-head in Grand Slams, 20-18. With the reigning champion at Roland Garros naturally holding a dominant record on the clay in Paris over the Serbian, leading 13-1.

“Let’s face it, it’s the biggest challenge that you can have playing on clay against Nadal on this court in which he has had so much success in his career,” Djokovic remarked, not mixing his words or downplaying the challenge in front of him. “In the final stages of a Grand Slam, it doesn’t get bigger than that.”

The pair have won 38 Grand Slam titles between them, and Djokovic is bidding to become the first player of the Open era to win every Grand Slam at least twice.

While Nadal is looking to extend a ludicrous record of 13 successive titles at Roland Garros, with his staggering record of 105 wins from his 107 career matches. The famous defeats came in 2009, losing to Robin Soderling 2-6 7-6(2) 4-6 6-7(2) in the 4th Round, while Djokovic did get the better of him on the clay in 2015, winning 7-5, 6-3, 6-1, but he would ultimately lose in the final to Stan Wawrinka, though redemption came a year later with the title in 2016.

“We know each other well. Everybody knows that in these kind of matches anything can happen,” Nadal said after sweeping past Argentine 10th seed Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-finals. “The player who is playing better that day is the player that is going to have better chances. That’s it.

“It is going to be an important match for both of us. But is a semi-final, not a final. That’s a big difference. Even the winner of that match needs to keep going and there remains a lot of work to do to try to achieve the final goal here.”

Djokovic vs Nadal - French Open 2021 semi-final Djokovic beats Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-2 to reach French Open final 22:42 , Dylan Terry

Somehow I don’t quite believe that...

Djokovic beats Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-2 to reach French Open final 22:38 , Dylan Terry

An elastic man. Djokovic reached balls tonight that I have quite literally never seen any other tennis player even get a racket on.

Novak Djokovic hitting a ball with a racket on a court: (Getty Images)

He remains the King of Clay. But tonight was not his night.

a person on a court with a racket in front of a crowd: (Getty Images)

The ULTIMATE respect.

Novak Djokovic standing in front of a crowd: (Getty Images)

Remarkable. He has done it. He beat a superb Rafa Nadal on clay.

Djokovic beats Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 6-2 to reach French Open final 22:21 , Dylan Terry

Another double fault from Nadal and Djokovic is three points away.

A wonderful forehand down the line puts Nadal in all sorts of trouble and he can’t get past.

Three match points come up for Djokovic. Nadal finally just looks about beaten.

But hold on, Rafa saves one...

BUT NOT A SECOND! DJOKOVIC BEATS NADAL TO REACH THE FINAL

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 5-2 (*denotes last server) 22:18 , Dylan Terry

Four hours and seven minutes. We go on.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 5-2 (*denotes last server) 22:17 , Dylan Terry

The impenetrable forehand of Nadal is ensuring he will not go away just yet. He fires one beyond Djokovic to move to 15-15.

Djokovic then with a double fault as the pair level at 30-30 with the crowd beckoning them both on.

A superb serve eases the pressure on Djokovic. Oh and the drop shot does it!

Novak is one game away from the final.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 7-6 4-2 (*denotes last server) 22:12 , Dylan Terry

Nadal is losing control of the key points of this match now.

Djokovic finds a superb backhand down the line to the gracious applause of Nadal.

Sensational length from the corner of the court takes Nadal by surprise and we’re at 30-30.

Nadal misses with a backhand to hand Djokovic a 19th break point of the match. He has only taken six...

But he takes this one!! Djokovic finds the perfecr return just when he needs it and Nadal can’t return it!

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 3-2 (*denotes last server) 22:05 , Dylan Terry

Three unanswered serves from Djokovic. He has re-found his mojo now.

Make that a fourth as Nadal can only find the net. Three games in a row for the 18-time Grand Slam champion and world No1.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 7-6 2-2 (*denotes last server) 22:04 , Dylan Terry

Those in the arena are watching an historic match.

a group of baseball players playing a game on the court: (Getty Images)

Words fail me. Nadal forces Djokovic out wide and punishes him with a forehand down the throat of the court to level things at 15-15.

But then a seventh double fault for the Spaniard and an opening again for Novak. He capitalises with a superb backhand on the return to grab two more break points.

And he takes them! We’re all square in the fourth once more.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 1-2 (*denotes last server) 21:59 , Dylan Terry

Seconded.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 1-2 (*denotes last server) 21:58 , Dylan Terry

Drop shot followed by a pair of rasping forehands sees Djokovic race into a 40-0 lead as he looks to fight back in this fourth.

An ace to win the game in double quick time. Pressure straight back on Nadal.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 7-6 0-2 (*denotes last server) 21:56 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic overpowers Nadal at the start of this game and then the clay king produces a sixth double fault of the match.

0-30 down, Nadal answers by sprinting to the net but Djokovic can’t even find a way past the net as the Spaniard reduces the deficit.

And a delightful chip draws him level at 30-30! Nadal is getting on top of the rallies again at the start of this fourth set.

Djokovic into the net with another tired-looking backhand. And he closes the show with a forehand on his way back to the baseline.

Majestic from Nadal! He secures the 2-0 lead.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 0-1 (*denotes last server) 21:49 , Dylan Terry

Is it possible for even the great Rafa Nadal to mentally recover from losing that third set?

Djokovic wins two quick points at the start of the fourth set but then falls short with a drop shot.

Nadal gets huge power behind his forehand to pull it level at 30-30. And a lethargic backhand from the Serb gives the champion an early break point opportunity.

And he takes it!!! Djokovic looks to have Nadal cooked but the Spaniard puts EVERYTHING behind his forehand and powers it through.

NADAL BREAKS.

Djokovic vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 (*denotes last server) 21:46 , Dylan Terry

Iconic moment.

Djokovic vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 7-6 (*denotes last server) 21:44 , Dylan Terry

THE CROWD ARE STAYING.

Special dispensation has been given so that the crowd can stay. Sensational news.

Rafael Nadal hitting a ball with a racket on a court: (Getty Images)

He’s got it! Djokovic points to his ear because the crowd are on their feet. THAT IS MASSIVE!

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-6 (6-4) (*denotes last server) 21:39 , Dylan Terry

ACE. 6-4.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 6-6 (5-4) (*denotes last server) 21:38 , Dylan Terry

THAT COULD BE THE MOMENT! The two trade shots at the net and Nadal looks to have won it but when Djokovic digs the ball back it’s Rafa who misses his volley!

A truly brilliant chip gives Nadal some hope but Djokovic leads and now has serve.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-6 (4-3) (*denotes last server) 21:36 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic pins Nadal in the right-hand corner and eventually finds the line with a brilliant shot!

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-6 (3-3) (*denotes last server) 21:34 , Dylan Terry

You can’t split them. Djokovic comes to the net and nails the volley to level things up.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 6-6 (2-3) (*denotes last server) 21:33 , Dylan Terry

Nadal with sublime defence and then Djokovic misses a drop shot as he goes into the net!

And then Novak goes wide with a backhand he would have expected to make!

Swings back Nadal’s way now.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-6 (2-1) (*denotes last server) 21:31 , Dylan Terry

Long from Djokovic on his first serve as Nadal gets the length of his backhand absolutely perfect.

The Serb then gets his serve right but nearly misses the forehand. Just on the line. Advantage Novak.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 6-6 (1-0) (*denotes last server) 21:30 , Dylan Terry

TIE-BREAK.

Double fault from Rafa to kick things off.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 6-6 (*denotes last server) 21:28 , Dylan Terry

Nadal misses with a backhand down the line as Djokovic draws his opponent really wide of the court.

And he holds! We go to a tie break!

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 5-6 (*denotes last server) 21:27 , Dylan Terry

Astonishingly (I’ve run out of words for this match so I’m reusing ones I’ve used ten times already), Djokovic is now serving to stay in this match.

The Serb goes long with a forehand and the tide has once again turned back in the favour of Nadal after nearly two hours of Djokovic being on the front foot.

Another error from Novak and it’s 15-30. A perfect smash from Djokovic brings the game level and Nadal then can’t find the line as it drifts out.

OH MY! Nadal takes it to deuce with a forehand even more perfect than Djokovic’s smash!

This is becoming very difficult to do justice with words. A ridiculous backhand from Nadal and he has a set point!

Nope. Djokovic with the devastating drop shot. Deuce.

We’re going to a second post again for a single game again...

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 5-6 (*denotes last server) 21:18 , Dylan Terry

Into the fourth hour of this match. The crowd probably have about 35 minutes left in the stadium before the curfew is enforced. There will be an absolute uproar if the crowd are asked to leave shortly.

Nadal makes a double fault to bring it to 15-15 but then a long rally is won by the Spaniard. Suddenly, Djokovic looks shaken and is gesturing to his corner. He has lost a bit of control here.

But as the pendulum swings one way, it instantaneously pulls back. Djokovic with an outstanding return and a Nadal forehand error brings up break point for the Serb.

Saved by Nadal with a perfect smash from the baseline.

OH MY GOODNESS! Probably the point of the match. Nadal plays a drop shot that hits the net. Djokovic deftly clips it back. Nadal then finds the back of the court, before Djokovic beautifully lobs Nadal and the Spaniard can’t get it back.

Break point again for Djokovic. Nadal with another wonderful forehand. Vintage Rafa.

TWO big serves. Nadal holds. Nadal leads again.

Breathtaking tennis.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 5-5 (*denotes last server) 21:10 , Dylan Terry

Rafa Nadal has superhuman mental strength. Now, on with the match...

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 5-5 (*denotes last server) 21:09 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic is moving Nadal around the court with such precision. He brings him to the net, forces him to play a cross court drop shot and then just taps it back into the empty side.

Nadal then with another unforced error as he goes for the forehand winner. 30-0.

Novak slams one into the net to give Nadal a glimmer of hope and the Spaniard takes advantage with a brilliant backhand up the line!

30-30 and the tension really building in this stadium. It’s palpable now.

Nadal with a forehand winner! Djokovic couldn’t find the length and the 13-time champion will eat that up all day!

Break point for Rafa and he TAKES IT! Djokovic with the backhand error.

ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 5-4 (*denotes last server) 21:05 , Dylan Terry

Worth noting that if this goes to a fifth set then the thousands in attendance will likely have to vacate as there is a curfew. Wonder how that will go down...

Better from Nadal. He forces a mistake from Djokovic and follows that up with an ace.

Then Djokovic with a remarkable find as he picks up a desperately low ball and fires a backhand into the corner.

Nadal responds with an excellent forehand of his own and closes out the game with consummate easy really.

But this game coming up now is without question the biggest of the match.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 5-3 (*denotes last server) 21:00 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic bossing the baseline rallies almost all of the time now. It constantly feels as if Nadal is merely staying in the point for as long as he can.

The world No1 draws two more errors from Nadal before commits one of his own - only the second unforced error he has made in this third set.

Oh and there’s another! Two in two points and we’re at 30-30.

Nadal with some superb defensive shots while on the back foot and he brings up break point as Novak hits the net. He couldn’t do it yet again, could he?

Djokovic receives a warning from the umpire for slow play just before the break point is...SAVED by Djokovic.

A mesmerising forehand from the seething Djokovic. The umpire has charged him up even more.

An expertly executed backhand from Djokovic is followed up by a long forehand. Deuce again.

Nadal spoons a backhand long and then agonisingly misses a forehand winner by millimeters. Four unforced errors for Djokovic in that game and he gets out of it alive.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 4-3 (*denotes last server) 20:52 , Dylan Terry

What has he got left?

a man sitting at a table with a racket: (Getty Images)

It says so much about the resolve of Nadal that it feels as if for the majority of this match he has been on the back foot and yet he is still level. What will it take for Djokovic to move decisively clear?

A crosscourt shot from the baseline beats Nadal once more and another sensational return quickly moves Djokovic into a 0-30 position once more.

Oh and he’s missed a routine forehand! 0-40 so quickly.

And there’s a break to love!

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 3-3 (*denotes last server) 20:47 , Dylan Terry

Nadal forces Djokovic back and draws the error into the net.

Can he take this break point? YES HE CAN!

Nadal breaks back! He just will not die! We’re level again.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 3-2 (*denotes last server) 20:46 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic gets drawn to the net by Nadal but he isn’t phased one bit, smashing a shot across court for 15-15.

Whatever you can do, I can do better. A return FOR THE AGES! Nadal fires in a bullet across court that the crowd barely see. It lands plum on the line. Remarkable.

Oh and then even more remarkable! Djokovic draws Nadal in this time and then plays a lovely lob. Nadal gets there and fires straight at Djokovic, who gets a racket on it but it spins away behind him!

Two break points for Nadal, the first of which he spoons into the net.

OH MY WORD! THERE ARE NO WORDS!

Djokovic quite incredibly stays in the point, scurrying from right to left and back again. At one point he looked to be facing the other way. He still stayed in it and eventually found the forehand winner! On break point!

Another game where we’re going to need a second post...

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 3-2 (*denotes last server) 20:36 , Dylan Terry

Not a bad start. An ace to kick off the game from the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

But he fails to execute a backhand down the line and then misses with a routine smash! You never ever see that from Rafa.

15-30 and another little chance for the Serb. Nadal goes long again as Djokovic bosses the longer rallies. Two break points for Novak.

They exchange again and then it’s Nadal who goes for the drop shot. Djokovic gets there but he can’t quite get his own deft touch back over the net. One saved.

Ace. Second saved. Deuce.

A third comes up for Djokovic as Nadal misses a backhand into the open court. It was a difficult one but you expect him to make that.

THIS TIME NOVAK GETS IT! Djokovic breaks as Nadal goes into the net. The Serb is in front for the first time in the match.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 2-2 (*denotes last server) 20:30 , Dylan Terry

After a remarkable marathon game on Nadal’s serve, Djokovic now holds to love.

It seemed as if Spaniard took that game off after the mental exhaustion of that last service game.

Be interesting to see how Nadal responds now on serve...

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 1-2 (*denotes last server) 20:29 , Dylan Terry

Asking for help? It’s rare Nadal is pushed like this at Roland Garros.

a man standing in front of a crowd: (Getty Images)

Sumptuous from Djokovic. With the pair trading groundstrokes from the back of the court, Djokovic then plays a brilliantly disguised drop shot which totally catches Nadal out.

15-30 and a chance for the Serb to break. Nope, the King of Clay responds with two superb crosscourt forehands in the same rally. Djokovic got to the first but had no chance whatsoever with the second.

Djokovic then comes back with his own roaring forehand down the line to bring up break point.

Nadal with a serve-forehand combo to nip the break point in the bud, but here comes another for Djokovic. Again, no dice.

Nadal then takes the advantage as he comes forward, working Djokovic to the back of the court before finishing off with that violent topspin forehand.

And he gets the job done! Djokovic tries to draw him to the net but Nadal flicks it past him to hold serve.

Another 10+ minute game.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 1-1 (*denotes last server) 20:15 , Dylan Terry

Nadal finding his forehand at the start of this third set. He rifles in one down the line to make it 15-15.

But Djokovic answers once more with his ever-reliable backhand across court.

The Nadal return on Djokovic’s second serve is really poor. He looks disgusted with himself as the Serb closes out the game with three simple points in a row.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 6-3 0-1* (*denotes last server) 20:12 , Dylan Terry

We’re all square after nearly two hours of tennis. One set each. Pulsating stuff. Cannot put into words the level at which Novak Djokovic is playing at the moment. To compete with Nadal on clay is one thing, but to outplay him for more than an hour is something else entirely.

Nadal gets a reprieve at the start of the third set with a hold to 15.

The Spaniard was off court for a few minutes before the start of the third, so that may have just turned the lights of Djokovic a little. Don’t imagine that will last long.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 6-3 (*denotes last server) 20:03 , Dylan Terry

He is well and truly back in this. Djokovic takes his first set in 11 against Nadal at the French Open.

a man standing on a court with a racket: (Getty Images)

Djokovic’s backhand has been the best weapon of this set from either player. He employs it again at the start of this game to brilliant effect.

But Nadal then plays one of the shots of the match with a crosscourt backhand of his own to pass the Serb and take a 15-30 lead!

Nadal then can’t force the break points as he hits the net with an unforced error. But a double fault then gives the 13-time champion a break point anyway!

Will he take this one? No. He drags his backhand down the line just an inch or two too far. Deuce.

A simply majestic backhand slice clips the service line to give Djokovic yet another break point to face.

But again the Serb has the answer. A fifth break point in a row saved from Djokovic in this match. A precise backhand sets up a simple forehand and we’re back to deuce.

Now it’s Nadal who finds the net from the serve. Set point for Djokovic.

GETS IT! We’re all level.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 5-3 (*denotes last server) 19:55 , Dylan Terry

Nadal desperate to keep this set alive. He finds a brilliant forehand straight out of page one of the King of Clay.

Then Djokovic hits straight back with a Serbian Special backhand.

A serve and forehand from Nadal gives him a 40-15 lead and Djokovic sends one wide to allow the Spaniard a (in the context of this match) relatively comfortable hold.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 5-2 (*denotes last server) 19:50 , Dylan Terry

So we are in the same game as the previous post, but nearly ten minutes in now. Djokovic still serving.

Nadal keeps the game alive with some wonderful depth on his shots. Then Djokovic answers with a backhand across the Spaniard.

And Nadal loses his rag with the forehand to hand the Serb the game. That had to be close to 12 minutes.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 4-2 (*denotes last server) 19:46 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic misses a smash but he recovers instantly to play a brilliant drop shot.

The Serb is in control of the match now and seems to be getting stronger.

Just as I type that out, Nadal wins two more attritional rallies to pile the pressure straight back on Djokovic at 15-40.

Does the Serb have the answer? He does at the first time of asking, running onto a high smash to put Nadal away.

And then an awfully sliced backhand lands miles wide of the baseline from Nadal. Deuce.

Nadal then claws back a Djokovic backhand from so far behind the baseline. And it pays off as Djokovic puts the resulting volley into the net.

Back and forth and back and forth and eventually Djokovic wins out when he was faced with break point against his serve. Nadal finds the net to bring it back to deuce as we enter the ninth minute of the game.

It goes on...

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 4-2 (*denotes last server) 19:38 , Dylan Terry

A superb crosscourt backhand from Djokovic gives him a 0-15 lead. He follows that up with a pinpoint overhead smash to take it to 0-30.

More pressure from Djokovic takes it to 40-0. Nadal then tries to close the door with a smash to take one break point away.

And another is saved by Nadal as the pair exchange drop shots at the net before the Spaniard wins out.

But Djokovic claims the third! A gruelling rally goes the Serb’s way. Massive game.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 3-2 (*denotes last server) 19:31 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic takes a 30-15 lead and then forces an error from the backhand of Nadal.

One of the quickest holds of the match from Djokovic as Nadal finds the net with uncharacteristic regularity in this game.

The Serb holds to 15 to take a 3-2 lead. Nothing in this set at the moment.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 2-2 (*denotes last server) 19:27 , Dylan Terry

Nadal is relentless. Djokovic raises his game for 20 minutes or so to take a lead in a set but it’s the Spaniard’s consistent level of performance that just means no one can live with him over the course of a match on clay.

Two more errors from Djokovic gives Nadal a 30-15 lead but the 13-time champion then goes astray with his own forehand.

A great serve swinging away from Djokovic down the middle allows him a simple smash to move 40-30 in front. And he closes it out to level things up in the second set.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 2-1 (*denotes last server) 19:22 , Dylan Terry

Just when you think the momentum is swinging away from Nadal, he pulls it back his way.

He races into a 0-30 lead and then Djokovic can’t find the corner with a crosscourt forehand as he hands the Spaniard three break back points.

OH MY! Nadal with a flat, bullet-like forehand down the line to break to love.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 2-0 (*denotes last server) 19:19 , Dylan Terry

The tide is well and truly turning here. Nadal sends a forehand long and Djokovic brings up 0-30.

And another error from Nadal hands Djokovic three break points.

Nadal plays a delightful drop shot to save one but the second point he goes long! Djokovic breaks.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-6 1-0 (*denotes last server) 19:16 , Dylan Terry

Winning that first set means Nadal has now won all of the last ten sets played between himself and Djokovic at Roland Garros.

a man holding a racket on a court: (Getty Images)

Straight into the second set we go! Djokovic is definitely looking better and he impresses in the first two points of the set, winning both, the second with a nice volley at the end of it all.

Nadal gets too much topspin on a forehand and Djokovic holds to love.

Just what the doctor ordered for the Serb.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 3-6 (*denotes last server) 19:09 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic senses a way back into this set now. But he’s not going to get it like that. He finds the middle of the net with a dreadful forehand and then makes another error by going long from a Nadal second serve.

A PHENOMENAL lob from one corner of the court to the other brings up three more set points for Nadal.

Djokovic saves two with some remarkable defence and then gets to the third as Nadal finds the net! SIX set points have gone begging for the Spaniard.

He brings up a seventh as the Serb goes long with his return of serve.

And Djokovic doesn’t have a seventh life in him! Into the net he goes and Nadal eventually takes the set.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 3-5 (*denotes last server) 19:02 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic trying to keep up his momentum now but can’t quite pull the ball back inside the line with a forehand down the line.

Nadal then plays a superb crosscourt forehand which ends up about seven feet high in the air and Djokovic can’t get to it.

A nice forehand and a big serve from the Serb level it up at 30-30. But Djokovic goes long from the Nadal spin and the champion has a third set point.

Can he take this one? Nope. Djokovic smashes beyond Nadal (although that doesn’t stop Nadal’s attempt to fish it back out from near-enough the front row).

Great work from Djokovic to work a space for a forehand finish leads to him holding again!

Three games in a row for the Serb.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 2-5 (*denotes last server) 18:55 , Dylan Terry

Nadal is serving for the set but isn’t having it all his own way. A skewed forehand is followed up by a sensational Djokovic return across the Nadal side which forces the champion into another error. 0-30.

Djokovic then fires a tame forehand into the net as he misses the opportunity to take three break points. But a lovely drop shot from the Serb does bring up two break points!

One saved from Nadal as he rifles in a forehand while moving backwards (how does he do that?!). And a second break point saved as Djokovic goes long.

Nadal smashes home off a big serve to bring up set point. Djokovic saves it with a great return at the feet of the Nadal which puts him in control to win the rally.

Djokovic then has Nadal on the back foot as he lobs him but a remarkable Nadal smash from over his shoulder gives him advantage again. Nope, back to deuce again as Nadal finds the net.

Djokovic then has a break point again and this time he takes it off a double fault!

Set back on?

Djokovic* vs Nadal 1-5 (*denotes last server) 18:45 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic looks to have started the game well with a nice drop shot but Nadal responds with a simply breathtaking cutaway drop shot of his own that the Serb cannot get his racket on.

The 18-time Slam champion fights back to take a 30-15 lead but yet another classic Nadal forehand down the line takes it to 40-30.

But Nadal then finds the net! Djokovic is on the board.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 0-5 (*denotes last server) 18:41 , Dylan Terry

He has no answer right now.

a man swinging a racket at a ball: (Getty Images)

Djokovic misses another backhand. He then looks to have levelled the game up but an umpire’s look at a ball on the line confirms his shot was out. 30-0.

A double fault from Nadal gives the Serb some momentary hope. But a wonderful backhand down the line forces another error from Djokovic.

Big serve. Djokovic stumbles. 5-0.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 0-4 (*denotes last server) 18:35 , Dylan Terry

A long forehand at the start of the fourth game from Djokovic is ominous. Does he have the answers to the Nadal puzzle?

Another poor crosscourt shot takes Nadal to 0-30. The Spaniard then pulls his forehand slightly wide, but Nadal answers with a perfect topspin forehand to punish a wayward serve.

Djokovic goes long again. Another break.

ONE. WAY. TRAFFIC.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 0-3 (*denotes last server) 18:31 , Dylan Terry

Masterful so far.

a man hitting a ball with a racket: (Getty Images)

We could look back at that last game as a major point, even though it’s right at the start.

Nadal back on serve and he wastes no time in hammering a forehand into the corner as Djokovic’s head drops. A drop shot which clips the top of the net then takes him to 30-0. And an ace makes it 40-0.

Scintillating from Nadal as he takes a stranglehold of the match. Djokovic can’t keep his return of serve in and it’s a hold to love.

Djokovic* vs Nadal 0-2 (*denotes last server) 18:27 , Dylan Terry

That was such a big hold for Nadal to get himself off the mark early on.

Djokovic doesn’t seem troubled at the start of the second game though as he finds a wonderful backhand into the corner.

Oh, I spoke too soon. A tepid double fault brings it to 15-15. Djokovic then gets lucky with a net call which bounces kindly for the Serb on the Nadal side.

But a vintage Nadal topspin forehand sends a message to his opponent. 40-30 Djokovic and then the Serb slices into the net. Woeful effort really. He’s trying to play that backhand drop shot too much.

A big serve brings up advantage Djokovic but then another lovely forehand from Nadal takes it back to deuce. The Spaniard then plays a delightful crosscourt flick at the net to claim advantage himself!

And three overheads from Djokovic are all returned from Nadal before he turns the tables to break the Serb with a volley at the net!

This match has already been going for more than 16 minutes. We’ve had two games.

Djokovic vs Nadal* 0-1 (*denotes last server) 18:19 , Dylan Terry

HERE WE GO.

Champion Rafa Nadal gets us going with his serve. A powerful one down the middle is followed up by some brilliant play at the net. The Spaniard eventually thumps a forehand at Djokovic’s body and his response drops out to bring up 30-15.

Djokovic then clips the net as he meets a Nadal drop shot with a crosscourt winner. And a soft forehand into the net brings up an early break point for the Serb.

Ace from Nadal and we have our first deuce in the very first game. Djokovic then claws back advantage with some powerful groundstrokes from behind the baseline.

But another superb ace at 202km/h from Nadal as he saves a second break point. He then takes the lead for the first time in the game with a lovely crosscourt forehand which wrongfoots Djokovic.

Then we’re back to deuce as Nadal double faults.

REMARKABLE FROM NADAL! Some deft play at the net looks to have ended with a wonderful Djokovic lob. But Nadal somehow keeps it in play and Djokovic misses the smash.

The Spaniard then holds in a TEN MINUTE opening game.

Djokovic vs Nadal 18:09 , Dylan Terry

The first objective for Djokovic will be to win a set. He has not won a set from Nadal on clay in six years.

Djokovic vs Nadal 18:07 , Dylan Terry

A reminder that last year’s final ended 6-0 6-2 7-5 to Rafa Nadal in what was a remarkably dominant performance from the Spaniard.

We are hoping for a much more competitive match this time around. Can Novak produce his best clay court tennis to challenge Rafa?

Djokovic vs Nadal 18:03 , Dylan Terry

The two men are out on the court warming up. Not long to wait now until the all-time great pair meet for an astonishing 58th time.

Djokovic vs Nadal 18:01 , Dylan Terry

Just something to wet your appetite for this evening.

Djokovic vs Nadal 17:59 , Dylan Terry

Are you ready?

Respect between both players at the end of this one. The pair showed superb resolve to fight back at various times in the match. I’d be very surprised if Zverev doesn’t return and reach the final at Roland Garros one day.

a couple of people on a court with a racket: (Getty Images)

Great scenes.

Djokovic vs Nadal 17:47 , Dylan Terry

And that was just the starter. Novak Djokovic vs Rafa Nadal is up next. Mouthwatering.

Tsitsipas reaches French Open final for first time 17:45 , Dylan Terry

In his post-match interview, an emotional Tsitsipas says: “All I can think of is my roots. I can from a small place outside Athens. This was my dream.

“My dream was to play at the French Open one day. I would never have thought that I could.

“I had the crowd with me, they were cheering me on and giving me my energy. I still felt like there was hope (into the fifth set) and there were opportunities to fight back. The only opportunity is to go out and fight. It was very emotional but this means a lot.”

Zverev* vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 3-6 17:41 , Dylan Terry

Tsitsipas has done it. History is made for Greece.

Zverev vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 3-6 - TSITSIPAS INTO FRENCH OPEN FINAL 17:39 , Dylan Terry

Tsitsipas needs to take a breathe but he doesn’t have the time to. A poor shot sees him 0-15 down. He immediately recovers to force an acute backhand across the clay and too far away from Zverev.

The German then misses with an audacious lob and Tsitsipas is two points away from victory.

Tsitsipas brings up a fourth match point at 40-15. And this time he takes it!!! An ace seals history as he becomes the first Greek to reach a major final!

Zverev* vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 3-5 (*denotes last server) 17:36 , Dylan Terry

Another wonderful rally and this time Tsitsipas can’t find the answers. He looks physically tired now and clips one into the net. Advantage Zverev.

The German then clips the top of the net AGAIN and the balls falls just the wrong side of the line once more.

Back to deuce we go as a big first serve from Zverev isn’t answered by Tsitsipas. This is officially now the longest game of the match.

But the time is up now! Zverev with a massive serve and Tsitsipas will have to serve out the match.

Zverev* vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 2-5 (*denotes last server) - Tsitisipas into the French Open final 17:32 , Dylan Terry

Ace from Zverev to kick off the game. He is then undone though with a lovely slice drop shot from Tsitsipas which Zverev can’t turn back over the net.

A powerful forehand from the Greek sends Zverev off balance and he fails to keep the ball in once more. 15-30. Tsitsipas two points away from victory now.

Another Zverev backhand goes long to bring up TWO MATCH POINTS. Tsitsipas fails to keep his return in as Zverev takes one opportunity away from him.

And then a sensational drop shot denies Tsitsipas victory! Wonderful dink from Zverev and the Greek can’t get to it!

We’re not done yet though. Tsitsipas finds a powerful forehand to bring up an advantage and third match point.

Ace. Deuce.

Zverev then gets so unlucky as he clips the net with a forehand as he approaches the net and it spins wide. Then a big serve brings up deuce once more! I need to start a new post...

Zverev vs Tsitsipas* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 2-5 (*denotes last server) 17:24 , Dylan Terry

Tsitsipas starting to overwork Zverev on the longer rallies and Zverev cries out in desperation and the Greek leaves him in despair to move to 30-0.

A crosscourt forehand puts the Greek in control of the third point in the game and Zverev has no answer, looping the ball far too long.

Zverev finds a ferocious forehand down the line to close the gap but Tsitsipas then closes the door with a big serve out wide.

Tsitsipas is one game away from the final.

a person hitting a ball with a racket: (Getty Images)

A lovely topspin forehand cuts the court off and sends Tsitsipas scrambling to not avail at the start of the game. Zverev then lands a big serve which can’t be kept in and an ace follows that for 40-0.

The new ball being lapped up by Zverev in this game until he produces a seventh double fault of the match.

But another ace gives the German the game. Pressure back on Tsitsipas to hold his serve.

Zverev vs Tsitsipas* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-4 (*denotes last server) 17:16 , Dylan Terry

After a wayward shot at the start of the game from Tsitsipas, Zverev looks to have 0-30 on a plate but skews his forehand wide of the line.

You can’t give the German a second chance though as he does bring up 15-30 following a mishit from Tsitsipas.

But Zverev can’t keep his return of serve in and then over-hits a slice to keep him in the point.

Tsitsipas with a serve to close out the game and show superb determination to hold his nerve.

Zverev* vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-3 (*denotes last server) 17:13 , Dylan Terry

A double fault for Zverev takes the game to 15-15. Only his sixth double of the match.

But he responds with a pinpoint accurate bullet forehand down the line as Tsitsipas approached the net.

A wayward backhand brings up 30-30 as Tsitsipas senses an opportunity. And a messy high-ball rally is won by the Greek to bring up break point and a MASSIVE opportunity.

Zverev finds the net with a forehand and Tsitsipas has the break!

Zverev vs Tsitsipas* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-2 (*denotes last server) 17:08 , Dylan Terry

Tsitsipas is finding his feet again when it comes to the longer points. An exchange is brought to an end with a venomous forehand from Tsitsipas and he then does the same with his backhand to take it to 40-0.

An ace brings up a love game. Is the tide swinging back in Tsitsipas’ favour?

Zverev* vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-1 (*denotes last server) 17:06 , Dylan Terry

Tsitsipas draws Zverev to the net but the German is equal to it and deftly flicks the ball past his man to bring up 30-0.

A big serve down the middle of the court takes him to 40-0 but he is then outfought on successive points as Tsitsipas uses smart positional play to caress a volley home for 40-30.

But the Greek can’t quite level things up as he tiredly finds the net with a forehand and we’re level.

Zverev vs Tsitsipas* 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 0-1 (*denotes last server) 17:01 , Dylan Terry

Zverev gets the better of Tsitsipas in the first rally of the final set with some powerful groundstrokes - the German showing his superior attrition at the moment.

He then forces the Greek onto the back foot and finishes with a simple smash as Tsitsipas cries out before his opponent even hit the shot.

A double fault and it’s 0-40! Tsitsipas is all over the shop but manages to find a big serve which Zverev parries into the net.

Tsitsipas then hits a nice cross-court backhand to reduce the deficit to 30-40 and another huge serves brings up deuce.

Both men travel to the net for a pulsating tussle which Tsitsipas wins and then an unreturned serve sees him hold!

Remarkable five points in a row.

Zverev vs Tsitsipas 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 16:55 , Dylan Terry

Zverev has shown extraordinary mental and physical strength to claw his way back into this one.

Alexander Zverev hitting a ball with a racket: (Getty Images)

Zverev grinds out a difficult service game to close out the set and force this semi-final to a decider. A superb rally a 0-15 down was won by the German and he fought tooth and nail to ensure his serve would not be broken.

We’re going the distance.

Djokovic vs Nadal 16:48 , Dylan Terry

The titanic clash between these two all-time greats will get underway as soon as the other semi-final between Zverev and Tsitsipas is over.

But Zverev looks set to force a decider from two sets down as he prefers to close out the fourth.

Head-to-head 16:45 , Dylan Terry

Djokovic leads Nadal 29-28 in their head-to-head record over the course of their careers. But the Serb has not beaten his Spanish rival on clay in five years. That’s perhaps the most telling statistic heading into this one.

“In the final stages of a Grand Slam, it doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Nadal on meeting Djokovic 16:28 , Jack Rathborn

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Djokovic vs Nadal in the 2021 French Open 16:27 , Jack Rathborn

Novak Djokovic was the last man to beat Rafa Nadal at the French Open. That victory was back in 2015.

Since then the Spaniard retired from the 2016 tournament due to injury, before winning four more titles to take his overall tally at Roland Garros to a quite staggering 13.

The road to number 14 has not been without its worries. Nadal dropped a set in his quarter-final match-up against Diego Schwartzman, but still got the job done in four.

Meanwhile, Djokovic's progress to the last four has seen him come through a five-set thriller against Lorenzo Musetti and then another attritional tie with Matteo Berrettini.

The Serb has played some supreme tennis in the tournament, but is it enough to thwart the King of Clay?

Djokovic currently sits on 18 Slam titles and would move to within one of Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 if he can win this match and the final on Sunday.

We wait eagerly to find out who will advance through to the 2021 French Open final.

French Open 2021 women’s singles final live updates

Both the players are playing in their maiden Grand Slam singles final.

9:00 PM Thank you for joining us! We will be back tomorrow for a mouth-watering French Open men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Until then, take care and stay safe! Keep following Khel Now for all the latest updates from the world of sports.

8:55 PM It turned out to be a topsy-turvy French Open women’s singles final. After a nervy start in both players’ first Grand Slam singles final, Barbora Krejcikova took the initiative and comfortably won the first set. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova came roaring back to claim the second set.

However, towards the end of it, the Russian began to struggle with a thigh issue. Despite fighting hard in the final set, she didn’t look comfortable moving around the court. Krejcikova took full advantage of the situation and is deservedly crowned the 2021 French Open champion. The 25-year-old dedicates her landmark victory to Czech tennis legend Jana Novotna, who had sadly passed away in 2017.

8:35 PM Krejcikova wins the French Open, beating Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-4

Barbora Krejcikova wins her maiden French Open singles crown! Take a bow, the new Roland Garros queen.

The 25-year-old Czech wins her maiden Grand Slam singles title. What a performance and she kept her focus right till the end! World No. 33 is overcome by pure emotion now.

8:32 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 5-4

Nervy. Very nervy. Pavlyuchenkova holds on with two fine serves and some hard hitting to win on deuce.

8:27 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 5-3

This is Krejcikova’s third consecutive match in as many days but she is showing no signs of any fatigue.

8:23 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 4-3

What a contest this is turning out to be! You just can’t take your eyes off it. Krejcikova hits an extravagant swinging spinner and now he has back-to-back love games of the match.

8:16 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 2-3

Pavlyuchenkova plays a crunching shot to go on the brink of hold and eventually gets the job done. They have won 65 points each. It’s been a see-saw contest.

8:12 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 2-2

Pavlyuchenkova will not go down without a fight in this French Open final. She breaks back with power. A clean strike from her and she doesn’t lose her court position. The 29-year-old knows she has to be aggressive from here on.

8:08 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 2-1

Break! Krejcikova wins on a double fault. Pavlyuchenkova is still making her shots, and those painkillers may be kicking in. But Krejcikova has learned her lesson and is making the Russian run.

8:01 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6, 0-1

Krejcikova is in slight trouble right now. On the other hand, Pavlyuchenkova is trying to keep herself moving. It’s not going according to the Czech’s plan.

7:55 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-6

The Russian wins the second set!

Pavlyuchenkova has some problem with her thigh muscles. But she is fighting on. The 29-year-old bites back into the contest and now we have the third and deciding set upon us.

7:49 PM Pavlyuchenkova takes medical timeout.

7:44 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 2-5

Krejcikova breaks back! Some nerves from Pavlyuchenkova as she makes a mess of a shot from the baseline. A whipped forehand takes the break for the Czech.

7:40 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 1-5

Strange match so far. It’s been an identical one-sided two sets. Pavlyuchenkova is now beginning to make mincemeat of her opponent’s serve.

7:32 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 1-4

Pavlyuchenkova clatters home to go 30-0 up. Then she’s sent skidding by a drop shot. No problem, it goes to 40-15. And that’s a hold. We are rattling towards a final set of truth.

7:28 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 1-3

Krejcikova’s nerves of the opening game seem to have returned but then she arrives at 40-15, and Pavlyuchenkova’s dig for a winner hands her the first game in the set.

7:25 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 0-3

Pavlyuchenkova goes to 30-0 up but is then tempted into overhitting a returned serve. It’s Krejcikova’s turn to wobble as she hammers an attempted winner wide. It’s speculative at best, and it’s going the Russian’s way.

7:18 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1, 0-1

The first win in six games. Pavlyuchenkova is struggling to access her usual power from the baseline. The first serve is still problematic, but she gets it done on the second.

7:10 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 6-1

Krejcikova takes the first set 6-1!

Six consecutive games for the 25-year-old! Krejcikova is up for the occasion. It is very tough to read where she would go, which is making it very tough for her opponent. It has taken Krejcikova just 30 minutes to clinch the first set.

7:08 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 5-1

This match can easily run away from the Russian. She has to find a way to play more of those longer rallies to test Krejcikova. The Czech is brimming with confidence now.

7:04 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 4-1

Pavlyuchenkova’s biggest strength is her serve. But she hasn’t got any answers so far. Does she have a Plan B?

6:58 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 3-1

The Russian with too many unforced effors so far. On the other hand, Krejcikova looked nervy at the start but is showing good variety at the moment.

6:53 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 2-1

Krejcikova’s aggresive backhand is doing the trick so far. Pavlyuchenkova will be looking to regain momentum now.

6:50 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 1-1

Great change of direction on the back hand as Krejcikova bites back to level.

6:46 PM Krejcikova vs Pavlyuchenkova: 0-1

Nervous start for Barbora Krejcikova as Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova wins the first game.

6:40 PM The French Open 2021 Women’s Singles final is underway.

6:15 PM Pavlyuchenkova is the first woman tennis player to play more than 50 Grand Slam matches, before making it to the final. She has broken the previous mark of 44 set by the 2015 US Open runner-up Roberta Vinci of Italy. Furthermore, the 29-year-old is also the first Russian woman to reach the French Open final since Maria Sharapova in 2014.

Krejcikova played the longest women’s semi-final match in Paris before reaching her first Grand Slam singles final. The match lasted for three hours and 18 minutes. She will also play in the women’s doubles final of the French Open 2021 with her partner Katerina Siniakova.

6:10 PM Hello and welcome to the Khel Now’s live updates of the women’s singles final of the French Open 2021.

The final battle in the women’s singles event of the French Open 2021 is taking place at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris. Top tennis players from around the world gathered in the French capital to get the glory. In the end, it all came down to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia and Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia 7-5, 6-3 to reach her first career Grand Slam final. Barbora Krejcikova ended Maria Sakkari’s dream run to meet Pavlyuchenkova in the final match. The Czech tennis star registered a 7-5, 4-6, 9-7 victory over her opponent in the French Open semifinal. This is the first Grand Slam singles final for both players. No matter who wins, it will be scripted as one of the French Open’s greatest underdog stories.

Tennis fans also witnessed a top-notch battle on Friday. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic played his long time rival Rafael Nadal in the French Open men’s singles semifinal. He defeated the twenty time Grand Slam champion 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 for the second time in his career at the Roland Garros. The match lasted for more than four hours.

Live updates for 2021 French Open final: Novak Djokovic fights back to win third set against Stefanos Tsitsipas