Novak Djokovic to face Rafael Nadal in French Open final with Federer record on the line

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will go head-to-head for the 56th time in their careers at the French Open final on Sunday after they both recorded straight-set victories in the semi-finals.

Nadal was first out on court Philippe-Chatrier and he was made to did deep to see off Diego Schwartzman.

The Argentine was confident heading into the battle as he beat Nadal in the Italian Open quarter-finals last month.

For over an hour the pair slugged it out in the opening set before world No 2 Nadal came out on top.

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The Spaniard then began to shift through the gears to record a 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(0) win.

Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya remained on centre court in Paris to watch Djokovic in action against Tsitsipas.

Nadal is just one major tournament win from levelling with Federer’s tally of 20, while Djokovic is hunting his 18th.

After reaching his 13th final at Roland Garros, Nadal thanked his family and friends who were able to come and support him as fans are allowed in the grounds.

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“I want to thank everyone for being here in these conditions,” he said. “As always this is amazing to be in the final again for another time.

“Thanks very much to my friends and family here with me today. It is a special moment.”

Heading into Sunday’s showdown, Djokovic insisted that Nadal was the favourite, despite him holding the higher world ranking.

“Here obviously he is the favourite because it is his house with all the titles he has won,” claimed Djokovic.

“But I won here in 2015 in the quarter-final. I have to play my best tennis. It is perhaps the biggest challenge in sport to play Nadal here at Roland-Garros. But I am motivated to win.”

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source: express.co.uk