Sports

Nadal Ties Federer at 20 Slams by Beating Djokovic in Paris

Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning championship point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on Oct. 11.

Photographer: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Paris (AP) -- All the years of work, all the many wins, led to this moment, with Rafael Nadal preparing to serve against Novak Djokovic, one point from a 13th French Open championship, one point from a 20th Grand Slam trophy to tie Roger Federer's record for men.

Nadal swept his right foot along the baseline, clearing away the red dust as he has so many times before. He rapped his shoes' soles with his racket — right, then left, then right again. He discarded one tennis ball behind him, another in the pocket of his blue shorts.