Elite to meet as seeds take place in Paris semis

By Bill Scott Jun 8, 2006, 14:08 GMT

Paris - The tournament top four clash in the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time in 21 years on Friday, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal heading the all-star lineup.

Federer, bidding for Grand Slam glory at the only major that he has never won, aims for the Sunday final against Argentine David Nalbandian.

Defending champion Nadal takes on Croatian hard man Ivan Ljubicic, who is counting on his experience and huge game in hopes of ending the Spaniard's record 58-match win streak on clay.

'I made the semis in Paris,' said the 27-year-old who was up a break in a fifth set of last year's Madrid final before the home hero recovered for victory.

'When you do it when you're 18, 19, you don't necessarily know exactly what it means. But when you're 27, you know exactly what it means and you know exactly your potential. I know exactly what my game is about.

'I know I can beat anyone - why not Rafael Nadal?' asked Ljubicic.

The pair of matches mark the first time since 1985 (and just the third time in the Open Era) that the four top seeds at Roland Garros have reached their appointed places in the semis.

Nadal goes in with huge pride on the line as he tries to stay untouchable on his favorite surface, where he last lost in April 2005.

The 20-year-old cannot help but be confident.

'I'm playing good,' he said after beating Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final which only lasted two sets as the Serb retired injured.

'Maybe I'm arriving in the semis at my best level in the last two weeks. That's the most important thing. I think this year I am better player.'

Federer, the runaway world number 1, has been building his season around trying to lift the only Grand Slam not currently in his possession.

The Swiss lost in a semi-final a year ago to Nadal, in conditions which were wet and heavy.

But the hot dry weather of this week is beneficial to the Federer game. And he will need every little advantage in his battle with Nalbandian, who holds a rare career lead over the Swiss, 6-5.

Federer won their last meeting in Rome last month, but Nalbandian lifted the Masters Cup trophy in five sets at the Swiss player's expense in November.

'This one will be different,' said the world number 3 Argentine. 'But I'm feeling very well, I've been playing very well.

'He's also has been playing better. We know each other quite well.

'Every time we play a match, it's always a very tough, very long match and very tight. I don't think this will be an easy match for either of us.'

Federer and his opponent have benefited from more rest, last playing on Tuesday.

'I expect a very difficult match and especially a physical match like last time. But I feel a bit better than last year,' said Federer.