Nadal, Ljubicic Setup Semifinal Clash

Rafael Nadal and Ivan Ljubicic are through to the semifinals at Roland Garros. Each advanced in their quarterfinal matches Wednesday to setup the other men's semi at the French Open. Top seed Roger Federer and third seeded David Nalbandian advanced to the other semifinal Tuesday.

The defending champion Nadal won his 58th consecutive match on clay when first-time quarterfinalist Novak Djokovic retired due to a back injury after dropping the first two sets 4-6, 4-6.

After Nadal took the first set and broke Djokovic to lead 3-0, the 19-year-old Serbian needed a medical timeout for the injury.

"I started second set with an unlucky start," Djokovic expressed to reporters afterwards. "I had couple chances to win my first game. After that, I felt the pain in the back. I was sliding a lot and making quick moves. And since then, I couldn't serve one hundred per cent. I didn't move for the balls which were really far away."

Though Djokovic fought valiantly from the baseline against Nadal, he still dropped the second set. Obviously not himself, he decided not to continue to the crowd's disappointment at Chatrier Court. Amazingly, his retirement was the eighth of the tournament among men, making it the most at Roland Garros in the modern era.

"I was trying to make as short as I can the points, to make winners, to be in the control of the match, which I did in some stage," Djokovic pointed out.

"And I'm pretty unhappy that it finished like this because I think that Nadal is for sure the best on this surface, but I was feeling really well on the court, I was fighting 'til the end, but I just couldn't hold on anymore because I don't think it would; it wouldn't bring me good, that's for sure, if I would continue playing with the pain in the back."

"This is not the only tournament in the year. So I think I made the right decision. I don't like to retire. Even with the sore back, I think I played equal match with him."

For Nadal, it was an easier path than previous tough four set victories over Paul Henri-Mathieu in the third round and Lleyton Hewitt in the Round of 16.

"I was good," Nadal said. "It was relatively short, and I'm very pleased. I was playing well until Djokovic started having trouble. That made me lose my concentration. I didn't really understand what was going on. But in any case, it's my fault if I lost my concentration."

"I have spent a lot of time on courts," he added. "There have been times during the tournament where I've been very happy. In any case, it's very true, it's good that I do not waste too much energy. And as you get older, you know that you must not waste too much energy because then that can backfire… so you've got to try to control yourself. In any case, it's a good idea to have a little bit of tension. But I don't think I'm under more stress this year than last year."

Nadal will meet another first-time semifinalist at Paris in fourth seeded Croatian Ljubicic. Ljubicic easily dispatched of the lone French player left in either field Julien Benneteau- posting a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 victory to reach his first ever Grand Slam semifinal.

"It's a fantastic feeling to be here," he told reporters.

"It's going to be zero pressure for me," the 27-year-old Ljubicic said. "Of course I want to win it. I'm the least favourite of all the four left in the draw but I'm here for a reason," in reference to Nadal's win streak.

"I'm not impressed with that streak. He was close to losing many times. If I play my game, I know I can beat anyone. Why not Rafael Nadal? I definitely know I have my chances. He keeps winning on clay but he can't win for ever. I don't want any long rallies. I believe that's the way I can hurt him."

Ljubicic's victory made it a clean sweep by the top four men's seeds en route to Final Four. It's the first time that's happened since 1985 when John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors and Mats Wilander advanced with Wilander taking his second French Open.

The women take center stage later today. Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova (8) takes on 17-year-old Czech Nicole Vaidisova (16) for a first ever appearance in the final at Paris. In the other semifinal, an all-Belgian match-up will take place when two-time winner ('03, '05) Justine Henin-Hardenne (5) battles former runner up Kim Clijsters (2).