I am greatest player, Rafael Nadal.

Rafael Nadal showed why he is the greatest player in French Open history by beating long-time rival Novak Djokovic in a late-night thriller to reach the men’s singles semi-finals.

Nadal, who was aiming to win his 14th French Open title, started superbly and fought off resistance from defending champion; Djokovic to win 6-2; 4-6; 6-2; 7-6; (7-4) at Roland Garros.

Nadal secured victory at 1:15am local time after over four hours on court Philip Chatrier and the 21-time Grand Slam winner will now face third seed; Alexander Zverev on Friday.

25-year-old Zverev reached the semi-finals for the second successive year after surviving a fightback by teenage sensation; Carlos Alcaraz earlier on Tuesday.

Kevin Madu