Rafael Nadal outlasts Novak Djokovic in French Open epic

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their men's singles semi-final match during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris. Nadal displayed the athleticism and self-belief that earned him seven French Open titles to tame world number one 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. (Reuters)

Rafael Nadal won an epic semifinal against Novak Djokovic at the French Open to remain the King of Clay for another couple of days, at least.
The seven-time champion twice let a lead slip away in the fourth set Friday, then came from behind in the fifth to beat the No. 1-ranked Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7.
Djokovic blew an easy overhead on the opening point on the final game and went on to lose serve at love, sending his final forehand long.
Nadal improved to 58-1 at Roland Garros, including five wins over Djokovic. The French Open remains the only major title Djokovic has yet to win.
Nadal's trying to become the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event. On Sunday, he'll play the winner of the semifinal between Spaniard David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is trying to become the first Frenchman in 30 years to win the title.
In the women's final Saturday, No. 1-ranked Serena Williams seeks her first French Open title since 2002 when she faces defending champion Maria Sharapova, who is 2-13 against her nemesis.
They'll be hard-pressed to generate the sort of seesaw drama created by Nadal and Djokovic. In the fourth set Nadal twice was a break up, and twice found himself two points from victory before Djokovic summoned his best tennis of the day.
The Serb had said the French Open was his most important tournament this year, and he wanted to win it for his childhood coach, who died in Belgrade last week. On the verge of defeat, he dug in and won 10 of the final 13 points in the fourth set to even the match.
A rattled Nadal double-faulted in the first game of the final set, and Djokovic broke to take the lead. But there were more plot twists to come.