June 7, 2019 -- Paris, France

Roger faced off against his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, today in the semifinals of the French Open. Determined to take it to the Spanish player, Roger went into this match never beating Rafa at Roland Garros. In their 39th career meeting, the conditions were not ideal as it was blustery and stormy, making it even harder to get a ball past Rafa. 

While Roger did not play bad and had his chances, he just couldn't get a set from the King of Clay and was defeated 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

"He makes you feel uncomfortable the way he defends the court and plays on clay. There is nobody who even plays remotely close to him," said Roger. "I don't even know who I need to go search for to go practice with somebody who plays like him. It's just amazing how he plays from deep and then is able to bounce back and forth from the baseline."