Seeking a maiden French title to complete a career Grand Slam and keep alive his hopes of a calendar Slam in 2015, Djokovic was imperious in all facets of his game, leaving nine-time winner Nadal a shell of his former self as he scrambled in vain over the clay.Novak Djokovic produced a dominant performance to crush Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 6-1 and reach the semi-finals of the French Open in Paris.
"I have much respect for Rafa. He is obviously not playing at the level we expect from him this season," said Djokovic said, who has won six of his last seven matches against Nadal.
"But he remains a champion and it's always a pleasure to play against him."
He added: "My tactic was to play aggressively and to stay focused on all points. It's not easy, probably easier to say than to actually do it against Rafa."
Andy Murray will face Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster French Open semi-final on Friday after beating David Ferrer in four sets.
Despite losing the third set, the No.3 seed always looked in control against the Spaniard, running out a 7-6, 6-2, 5-7, 6-0 victor and he remains unbeaten on clay this season.
Ferrer had a 100% record over Murray from four previous meetings on clay but struggled to handle Murray’s imperious defensive play from the baseline.
Nadal, meanwhile, has lost for the sixth this year on clay, a surface on which he used to be an overwhelmingly dominant force.
"I lost in 2009, and (it) was not the end. I lost in 2015, and (it) is not the end," Nadal said of only his second defeat in 72 matches at Roland Garros.
He added of Djokovic: "He was better than me. That's it."
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