Rafael Nadal dispatches defending champion Novak Djokovic in French Open thriller

Talks of an end to Rafael Nadal's reign as the king of clay will have to be put on hold after the world number five stayed on course for a record-extending 22nd grand slam title by beating arch rival Novak Djokovic 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) in a vintage French Open quarter-final that finished at 1.16am Paris time.

The 13-time Roland Garros champion, beaten by the world number one in the semi-finals here last year, arrived in the City of Light on the back of two injuries that had hampered his preparations.

The Spaniard survived a five-set thriller against Felix Auger Aliassime in the previous round, but has only lost three times at the French Open since his first campaign in 2005.

Putting the exclamation mark in 'point!'