Brain Game: Where Djokovic Hit Pay Dirt Against Nadal

This Brain Game analysis looks at how the World No. 1 upset the 13-time champ. Novak Djokovic hit pay dirt on the red dirt in the sweet spot of the rally. Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 in the Roland Garros semi-finals on Friday by dominating mid-length rallies, which have traditionally been controlled by the Spaniard throughout his career. Overall, Nadal won the short exchanges and Djokovic barely edged his rival in the longer, extended rallies. Ultimately, Djokovic found the separation he desperately needed when the rally length was specifically between four and seven shots.