Djokovic reaches eighth French Open semi-final

World No.1 Novak Djokovic made a short effort against Tomas Berdych on Thursday to reach his eighth and sixth straight French Open semi-final.

The 29-year-old Serbian, runner-up of the clay-court major for three times, overcame a five-minute rain delay and a third-set fightback from the seventh Czech to win 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and six minutes.

It has been Djokovic's 30th Grand Slam semi-final, while only Roger Federer with 39 major semis and Jimmy Connors with 31 have participated in more in the Open era.

Also, the top seed's last four appearance for six years in a row is something that even nine-time champion Rafael Nadal had never achieved.

Seeking his first French Open trophy to complete a career Grand Slam, Djokovic will next meet 22-year-old Austrian sensation Dominic Thiem who beat David Goffin 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-1 in a match between two quarter-final debutants at Roland Garros.

--IANS

sam/dg