PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic crushed nine-time champion Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 to move into the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday, condemning the great Spaniard to just his second defeat in 72 matches at Roland Garros.
It was world No. 1 and top seed Djokovic's first win over Nadal in seven meetings in Paris, avenging his defeats in the 2012 and 2014 finals.
It also eased him closer to a first French Open title and the completion of a career Grand Slam.
Djokovic will play his 26th career Grand Slam semi-final on Friday against either British third seed Andy Murray or Spain's 2013 runner-up David Ferrer.