Djokovic beats Nadal in French Open thriller to reach final

Novak Djokovic came from a set down in a spellbinding French Open semi-final to inflict only a third ever defeat on the Parisian clay for Rafa Nadal, moving through 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 in front of mesmerised crowd on Friday. (Source: Reuters)

The two warriors produced superhuman tennis as the 58th duel between them arguably rivalled anything they had conjured against each other since they first locked horns in 2006. (Source: Reuters)

Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 14th French Open title, won the first five games and looked on course to repeat his drubbing of the Serb in last year's final. But world number one Djokovic seized the momentum, winning the second set and then edging a pulsating 97-minute third set on a tiebreak, having saved a set point. (Source: Reuters)

After breaking a tiring Nadal's serve for a 4-2 lead in the fourth set, the end came quickly as the Serb inflicted a first defeat on Nadal at the French Open since he beat him in the 2015 quarter-final. (Source; Reuters)

Djokovic now leads his series with Nadal 30-28 but this win was perhaps the sweetest. While in 2015 his straight sets win was asterisked by the fact Nadal was struggling to recover from injuries, this time both players were at their best. (Source: Reuters)

His celebrations were low-key, however, such is the respect he holds for Nadal."First I want to say it is a privilege to be on this court with Rafael Nadal," Djokovic said on court."The biggest match I have ever played here in Paris. Also the best match with the best atmosphere for both players."To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis." (Source: Reuters)

Nadal, whose only other defeat apart from the one to Djokovic came against Swede Robin Soderling in 2009 when he was suffering knee issues, was typically gracious in defeat."Well done for him. It was a good fight out there. I tried my best, and today was not my day," Nadal told reporters. (Source: Reuters)