Rafa Nadal displayed the athleticism and self-belief that earned him seven French Open titles to tame Novak Djokovic 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7(3) 9-7 in a pulsating 4-1/2 hour Roland Garros semi-final on Friday.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the 35th time on Friday with a French Open final place at stake as well as their reputations as the two heavyweights of the sport.
All Rafael Nadal wanted for his 27th birthday at the French Open on Monday was his forehand back and he got his wish as the Spaniard's most feared weapon demolished Japan's Kei Nishikori and sent the defending champion into the quarter-finals.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic fought off tough challenge from Belgium's David Goffin to win a first round match of the French Open here on Tuesday.
Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic brushed aside their opponents to reach the quarter-finals while Rafael Nadal was made to sweat before joining the final eight of the Italian Open on Thursday.
World number one Serena Williams inflicted swift revenge on behalf of her older sister when she beat Britain's Laura Robson 6-2 6-2 in the Rome Masters.
The leading trio of Djokovic, Federer and Murray all have work to do before the start of the French Open in a fortnight, with the Rome Masters the last tournament chance to whip their clay games into top condition.
Novak Djokovic was dumped out of the Madrid Open in the second round Tuesday when he went over on his ankle and incurred the wrath of the locals on the way to a shock 7-6 6-7 6-3 reverse to Grigor Dimitrov.
Rafa Nadal's seeding at the French Open is irrelevant as the Spaniard's prowess on clay means he will always be dangerous, said his rival Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic ended Rafael Nadal's eight-year reign at the Monte Carlo Masters with a clinical 6-2 7-6 victory in the final on Sunday.
The French Open should consider protecting Rafael Nadal with a higher seeding to avoid a potential quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic, according to Roland Garros committee member Guy Forget.
Novak Djokovic will be hoping his gamble to play in the Monte Carlo Masters does not leave his claycourt season going bust after he decided to test his injured ankle in the glamorous principality.
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