Djokovic and Gulbis reach French Open semi-finals after straight-set wins

Latvian makes short work of Czech No 6 seed Berdych to set up semi-final against former training partner

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot during his men's singles quarter-final against Milos Raonic of Canada at the French Open on June 3, 2014. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

Paris // Six-time grand slam title champion Novak Djokovic and big-hitting giant killer Ernests Gulbis will clash for a French Open final place after their straight-sets quarter-final triumphs on Tuesday.

World No 2 Djokovic, who needs a Roland Garros title to become the eighth man to complete a career grand slam, tamed big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 to reach his sixth semi-final in Paris.

“It was very complicated against his serve, which is so precise and powerful, but I’m really happy,” the Serb said.

“It was difficult to return and important for me to keep concentration, but I’m delighted to be in the semi-finals.”

Djokovic, 27, made it three wins out of three against Raonic, following Rome in May and a Davis Cup semi-final in 2013.

His next opponent, Gulbis, put out Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to back up his shock defeat of Roger Federer in the fourth round.

“Gulbis is a very good player. He beat Roger and now Berdych in three sets, which is really impressive. He’s playing his best tennis, so it’s going to be an important match for me,” Djokovic said.

Gulbis, 25, the 18th-seeded Latvian who is more known for his colourful behaviour and outspoken comments off the court than his achievements on it, stormed into his first semi-final at a major.

Beating Berdych made Gulbis the second most successful match winner of 2013. He now has 32 wins, with just Rafael Nadal ahead of him on 38.

“This is very special. I am very happy to share it with you,” Gulbis said. “It was my best match of the tournament so far. Everything worked. Tomas was getting angry because I was hitting the lines all the time but, sorry, that’s part of the sport.”

Gulbis has a 1-4 record against Djokovic, with whom he once trained when they were youngsters in Munich.

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