Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of day 13 of the French Open at Roland Garros.
Yesterday saw Maria Sharapova move ever closer to a first French Open title as she exacted some revenge on Petra Kvitova for her final defeat at Wimbledon last year.
The Russian will face surprise package Sara Errani in Saturday's showpiece after the 21st seed beat US Open champion Samantha Stosur in the last four.
Now it is the turn of the men as Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer first meet in an all-Spanish semi-final clash on Friday afternoon.
Following that, world number one Novak Djokovic faces Roger Federer in an appetising match on Court Phillipe Chatrier.
18.25Well that is all from us for today, but remember to rejoin us for both the men's and women's finals over the weekend. In the meantime, why not join my colleague Matt Law for Sports Mole's live coverage of Euro 2012!
18.17Djokovic and Nadal both have extra motivation to win the final, not that they will need it. A victory for the Spaniard would be a record seventh French Open title, while the world number one is aiming to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time. Either way, history will be made.
18.14Too many unforced errors was Federer's major downfall today. He doesn't seem to have the consistency in his game anymore to challenge Djokovic and Nadal in best of five-set matches.
18.09Djokovic impresses the Paris crowd by conducting his post-match interview in French. Unfortunately though, it means I can't quote what he's saying!
18.08Federer hits into the net to send Djokovic through to Sunday's final, where he will play Rafael Nadal in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
18.07Result: Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-3 Federer
18.04Superb from Djokovic, or "unbelievably great" to quote Jim Courier. The Serb gets his angles just right as he sneaks a delicate backhand passing shot past Federer at the net and into the corner of the court. Double match point.
18.01A slight change in fortune keeps Federer in the contest for another game. A kind bounce of the net allows him to convert a backhand winner to set up game point, which he takes with a marvelous lob.
17.59It is all going wrong now. Federer approaches the net and opts to let Djokovic's feeble return go over his head. However, the ball does not go long as he anticipated as it brushes the white paint to the Swiss's dismay.
17.57Federer is both visibly and vocally frustrated now. He has let this match slip away from him since the midpoint of the second set. Djokovic moves to within a game of the final with an impressive hold.
17.55Break! However, all that good work is wasted as he record another pair of unforced errors to hand Djokovic what could be the decisive break. We are at 4-2 in the third with the Serb having claimed the opening two sets.
17.53Great offence from Federer to save two break points. On the second, he sends Djokovic from side to side with a succession of powerful hit cross-court forehands. Brave, aggressive tennis from the 16-time Grand Slam champion.
17.51The crowd, and maybe even Federer, senses that one more break for Djokovic could signal the beginning of the end. He has two opportunities here with the score at 15-40 on the Federer serve.
17.49This third set is a much more cagey and tense affair than the second, which was very open and unpredictable. Another couple of Federer errors gift Djokovic a 3-2 lead.
17.45Federer records a comfortable hold of his own as we move to 2-2.
17.42After all of the breaks in the second set (I think there were seven in total), we are still with serve in the third as Federer hits consecutive balls long.
17.38Really important hold from Federer. He goes 30-love down and the crowd was sensing another Djokovic break. However, the Swiss came up with a couple of big serves when required to hold.
17.35More proof of that as Djokovic comfortably holds in the opening game of the third.
17.31It would be a foolish man who dismisses Roger Federer, so call me a fool. It would take something extraordinary to come from two-sets down to beat Djokovic and the Serb has all of the momentum in his favour.
17.29SET! Incredible turnaround from Djokovic. He was 3-0 down in this second set but has shown why he is world number one by pulling it back to claim in 7-5 and take a two-set lead.
17.25Another enthralling long rally gives Djokovic two game points. He takes the first of them with an ace.
17.23Break! To answer my own question, yes, this set has taken another twist. Djokovic breaks back to level at 5-5 in the second.
17.20Long baseline rally ends with Federer's poor drop shot being converted by the Serb, who has gone 30-love up. Could this set have another momentum shift?
17.18Break! This back and forth contest takes another twist as Federer breaks Djokovic for a third time in this set. He is now serving to level the match.
17.17Blazing forehand down the line after a long rally gives Federer double break point.
17.16And yet he is still able to take a 30-love lead on the Djokovic serve and earn himself another half chance at a break.
17.15Federer has made 18 unforced errors in this second set compared to Djokovic's four.
17.12Break! The momentum is now well and truly with Djokovic and errors that are usually so rare in Federer's game are strangely not so rare. Here he gifts Djokovic the break by hitting into the net.
17.09Important hold from Djokovic, who survived a further break point en route to making it 4-3. If he'd had lost that one it may well have been the set.
17.05Excellent from Djokovic as he survives two break points with some really smart tennis, moving Federer across the court very well.
17.00Despite having to go to deuce due to a double fault, Federer holds to regain his two-game lead.
16.58Nothing the third seed could do about this one though. Superb cross-court backhand on the move from Djokovic which even leaves Federer nodding with approval.
16.57Great anticipation from Federer as he predicts a Djokovic drop shot and fires in a winner from the net.
16.56Consecutive games has pulled Djokovic back into this second set at 3-2. Just as it seemed Federer was gaining control of the set, the world number one finds some impetus.
16.54Thanks Danielle! Really strange service game from Federer as Djokovic pulls a break back without dropping a point. Uncharacteristically sloppy from the Swiss.
16.51That's me done for now! I'll hand you back over to Joe Fish, who will take you through the rest of this thrilling encounter.
16.50A loud "come on!" from Federer there who breaks the Serbian yet again to go 3-0 up in the second. He is fully in control at the moment.
16.49There doesn't seem to be a forecast of rain so hopefully there will be no disruptions.
16.48Perfect powerful shot from Djokovic there, who needs to hold serve on this game to keep pressure on Federer.
16.47And the Swiss has extended his lead to 2-0 in the second. You might as well get comfy, it could be a long night!
16.46Federer's serve is working well in this game - Djokovic is struggling to come up with answers.
16.45Djokovic has never been beaten by Federer. The Serbian sits with a one-set lead but is 1-0 down in the second on Federer's serve.
16.44Federer grabs a crucial break of serve in the opening game of the second set. It looks like the former world number one is coming into his own.
16.43Perfectly weighted forehand shot from Federer, who is now on break point.
16.42Fierce rally from the pair there! 38 strokes in total but it was Federer who clinched a vital point and closes in on a break of serve.
16.38Great shot down the line from Djokovic there, which Federer could only launch out of the boundaries.
16.38Federer will be frustrated with the way he lost his service game. Could the Swiss be on his way out of Paris?
16.35SET! Djokovic holds firm and manages to grab a vital break and take a one-set lead in the last semi-final of the tournament.
16.34The Swiss pro forces a long swooping shot from Djokovic, which goes out of bounds and gives equals the game on 15-15.
16.33Federer is serving to stay in the set and has just lost the first point.
16.31The Serbian again is coming inside the baseline to commit a number of damaging shots. The world number one takes a 5-4 lead with ease.
16.29Apologies for the slight delay! Djokovic is currently on serve with the first set at 4-4, and has just gone fifteen to love up.
16.18Right, time for me to take a break. I'll pass you over to my fantastic colleague Danielle Joynson, who will guide you through the action in my absence. Enjoy!
16.16Break! Advantage Federer in this first set as he secures a break of serve at the second opportunity.
16.12We continue to go with serve in the opening stages of the contest as Federer levels the score at two games apiece.
16.08Typically stubborn Djokovic defence helps him resist a Federer comeback as the Serb holds again to make it 2-1.
16.05Equally impressive start from Federer. One of the great servers against the best returner in the game means we will see some fascinating battles on the Federer serve, I'm sure.
16.02Djokovic start well as he holds to love.
16.00Play underway on Court Phillipe Chatrier. Djokovic to serve...
15.57Better scenes coming from Paris as the sun comes back out. This weather is very indecisive, very British actually! Anyway, Djokovic and Federer are knocking up on court. Start due shortly...
15.49ITV4 are back on the Djokovic versus Tsonga replay as the rain continues to crash down. On a brighter note, we are just over an hour away from the start of Euro 2012. Join my colleague Matt Law for the build up to Poland versus Greece now!
15.42One person this delay is good for is Nadal. The less recovery time his opponent has the better as far as he's concerned. Not that the Spaniard needs any extra advantage.
15.36John Inverdale and guests in the ITV4 studio are making the same point. The Australian Open and Wimbledon have both employed a roof on their main courts, surely it is time for Roland Garros, and the US Open for that matter, to follow suit?
15.29Argghhh this is frustrating. More rain has delayed the start of the match. That will really infuriate the players. They were on court, warmed-up and ready but have been sent inside. Roof please Mr French Open organiser.
15.22Federer just taking his layers off as they prepare to start. No sign of his famous white blazer today. I think he saves that for Wimbledon so we'll probably see it later this month.
15.19Djokovic and Federer are out on court. Both had five set thrillers in the quarter-finals. I wouldn't rule out a repeat here.
15.16Rafael Nadal after his victory: "It was my best match at Roland Garros this year. They are always very tough matches against him [Ferrer], you can lose. But I believed I would have chances today and it was a fantastic performance from me."
15.10I echo those words below. Ferrer is a fine player but Nadal is the greatest clay-court performer of all time and he demonstrated that this afternoon. A seventh French Open title looks probable at this stage.
15.08David Felgate on 5 live sports extra: "That was a staggering performance. For all the excellent play of Ferrer throughout the tournament, he was taken apart by an incredible display from Nadal. He didn't even drop serve! It was a great tournament for Ferrer, but he'll be disappointed at that. He couldn't have performed much better, it's just Nadal was way too good."
15.02So, who will Rafa be facing? Djokovic versus Federer is next one Court Phillipe Chatrier. Let's hope this one is a more even contest.
15.00And he takes it to book his place in Sunday's final. I've used superb, brilliant and outstanding in describing Nadal's performance this afternoon, but I think ruthless is probably more apt. Strong in defence when required and then able to produce winners from almost anywhere on the court, including the floor, when presented with just half a chance. Awesome.
14.59Result: Nadal 6-2 6-2 6-1 Ferrer
14.58Ferrer hits wide to present Rafa with match point.
14.55Ferrer looked set to delay his execution temporarily but a brilliant Nadal backhand has forced him to deuce.
14.52He may have one foot in the final, but Nadal isn't letting up. Another comfortable hold secured with a dipping forehand winner down the line. Ferrer is now serving to stay in the match.
14.49Break! That excellent backhand winner helped Nadal break for a second time in this third set. He now leads 4-1 and this one should be over shortly.
14.45Another moment of magic from Rafa. Ferrer thinks he has his friend on the back foot as he approaches the net but Nadal smashes a superb cross-court forehand past his outstretched racket. Superb.
14.43One of the all-time greats, Boris Becker, is in attendance at Roland Garros. He has to be impressed by Nadal's performance as the left hander goes 3-1 in-front in the third.
14.39Ferrer is on the scoreboard in this third set after holding, but he looks flat and almost resigned to defeat.
14.35Nadal is absolutely cruising. An easy hold moves him 2-0 ahead. Djokovic and Federer will not be enjoying watching the Spaniard play so well.
14.31That is looking increasingly likely now as the six-time champion claims a break at the first opportunity in the third.
14.28SET! And he takes it to move two sets up on his Spanish compatriot. I would strongly predict that this one isn't going further than three sets.
14.25Outstanding from Nadal. A brilliant rally, which Ferrer looked to have won on several occasions, ends with Rafa hitting a superb forehand winner down the line. Set point Nadal.
14.21Ferrer holds to stay in the set, but Nadal now has the chance to serve out for a two-set lead.
14.19Comfortable hold for Nadal as he moves to within a game of claiming the second set.
14.17Just seen a stat that Nadal has won twice as many points as Ferrer in this contest thus far. That accurately displays the second seed's dominance.
14.15Anyway, back to the tennis. Nadal is about to serve and get us back underway at 4-1 in the second set.
14.13Actually, that Jay Z gag is growing on me. I'm racking my brains trying to think of others, but I can't confess to being a big fan.
14.10Musical superstar Jay Z is among the spectators in Paris today as he tours across Europe. It seems we have 99 problems, but the rain aint one. Sorry, that was awful. Really, really awful.
14.08The two players have come back out, with the sun shining down on Court Phillipe Chatrier.
14.06The ITV4 pundits have already ruled out any chance of a Ferrer comeback. I can't disagree, especially if Nadal picks up where he left off following the delay.
14.03I have some good news! The covers are off and it looks like we are going to resume play shortly.
14.00Women's singles finalist Sara Errani is also scheduled to play the doubles final today. This delay can't be doing her chances of upsetting Maria Sharapova on Saturday any good.
13.54No improvement in the conditions at Roland Garros unfortunately. The rain is still hammering down.
13.46Let us not forget that Euro 2012 begins today! That isn't in any danger of being suspended by the weather thankfully. Be sure to join Sports Mole later for live coverage of Poland vs. Greece and Russia vs. Czech Republic.
13.41ITV4 is showing highlights of the epic quarter-final clash between Djokovic and Jo Wilfried Tsonga. What an incredible match that was. No signs of a five-set thriller in today's opening match though.
13.36Just to remind you that Nadal is in complete control in Paris. He leads Ferrer 6-2 4-1 and is well on his way to a seventh French Open final.
13.33The weather is frustrating sport lovers across the world. The cricket at Edgbaston has also fallen victim to the rain but Sports Mole will also be bringing you live updates of the third Test if play begins today.
13.31Hopefully though the players will be back on soon. Yesterday there was a remarkable turnaround in conditions and we ended up enjoying a very sunny afternoon. Here's praying for a case of deja vu.
13.28The covers are on Court Phillipe Chatrier and the sky looks bleak. Not good signs, particularly for Djokovic and Federer, who will not want their match to carry into tomorrow. If either are to remotely challenge Nadal, they are going to need a full tank to play on.
13.25Having said that, even if he can regroup during this delay, Ferrer has a massive uphill task on his hands here.
13.23This rain couldn't have come at a better time for Ferrer. He was well on his way to going two sets down and it almost seemed a matter of time before Nadal was back at the hotel awaiting Sunday's final.
13.21Play suspended: We have another break here, but this time it is a break in action as the players leave the court due to rain.
13.19Break! Make that two breaks up as Nadal steals another game from the Ferrer serve.
13.16A fairly comfortable hold sees Nadal extend his advantage to a set and a break. The second seed is well in control here.
13.14If he can play a drop shot from the floor, you know Rafael Nadal is playing well. He holds to thirty to move 2-1 ahead.
13.12Incredible scenes in Paris! A superb thirty-stroke rally results with Nadal on the floor and yet he still wins the point as Ferrer hits into the net.
13.08Nadal levels at a game apiece in this second set. Ferrer is starting to play more aggressively though which is his only chance of getting back into this one. He isn't going to outplay Nadal over the long rallies.
13.02It is vital that Ferrer doesn't surrender his serve early in this second otherwise he could be two sets down before the Roland Garros crowd has blinked. Here he holds to 30 to get on the board early in the second.
13.00Apologies everyone! We've had a few technical difficulties this afternoon but we are back up and running in time to see Nadal clinch the opener 6-2. The six-time champion was almost untouchable in that first set.
12.44Ferrer has dropped just one set on his way to the last four, so he's clearly playing well. Even so, the sixth seed will have to be on the top of his game today in order to advance to a first Grand Slam final.
12.44Ferrer has dropped just one set on his way to the last four, so he's clearly playing well. Even so, the sixth seed will have to be on the top of his game today in order to advance to a first Grand Slam final.
12.43We are a bit late starting with the live commentary today but we join just in time for an important moment in the Nadal versus Ferrer match. Rafa has earned a break midway through the first set and leads his compatriot by three games to two.
Written by
Joe Fish
Joe Fish
