Djokovic demolishes Federer in straight sets to reach French Open final

Both the players came onto the field amid rousing welcome and soon left as bad weather has delayed the start of game for the time being.

Suyash Srivastava/Zeeenews Sports Bureau

Paris: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-final of French Open 2012 to book a berth for the final where he will meet defending champion Rafael Nadal. Djokovic, who was defeated by the Swiss tennis player last year was certainly the better of the two players as he forced Federer for several unforced errors. The Serb rushed through the first set and Federer who looked in good nick could not capitalize the chances that came his way. Federer made a good comeback in the second set and was leading 3-0 at one stage. But, the kind of fighter he is, Novak Djokovic once again proved why is he the World No. 1 as he went on to win the set which came as a huge surprise for Roger, who could put no show in the third and final set. Federer got three break points in the fourth game of the second set as Novak continued to outclass Federer with clean hitting and long rallies. The only time Novak looked like he was struggling was in the initial phase of the second set and once he overcame that, he was back to his usual best and Federer seemed to have lost his confidence along with the second set. The second set lasted for 53 minutes and Djokovic took just 38 minutes to win the third and the final set. Novak was the better of the two players and Federer, for most of the match looked under pressure. He was expected to score from his service which he did not and he was very reluctant to come to the net as well. Djokovic will now meet Nadal in the final match to be played on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Nadal defeated World No six David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 to move a step ahead towards his seventh French Open title. Nadal is 51-1 at Roland Garros, and the only time he lost was in the fourth round in 2009 against Robin Soderling. Nadal has won all the 18 sets he has played at the tournament this year where he has dropped just 35 games in six matches. While Nadal would be hoping to seal his seventh title, it would not be that easy for him as he would play against a man who is bidding to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam titles simultaneously.