Nadal has now won all 13 of his semi-finals at the French Open and will face the winner of the match between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday
Friday 9 October 2020 21:19, UK
Rafael Nadal's quest for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title continued on Friday as he saw off a resilient Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-0) to reach another final.
Schwartzman, who beat the Spaniard for the first time in 10 meetings in Rome three weeks ago, was unable to contain the 12-time champion on his favourite Court Philippe Chatrier despite his best efforts.
Nadal, who is yet to drop a set this tournament, extended his win-loss record at Roland Garros to 99-2 to stay on course for a 20th major title and Roger Federer's men's record.
He said: "I had a couple of mistakes. He played some good points. I knew against Diego it's very difficult until the end.
"Two and a half weeks ago I lost in Rome, so I expected a very tough match. I'm happy with the way I played.
"With these conditions it's very difficult, and it's still incredible to be in the final again. Thanks to my team, my family. It's a beautiful moment for me."
Schwartzman had already knocked out US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a five-set epic and, with the ball still bouncing much lower than usual, Nadal came into the match wary of the Argentine.
The first set lasted 67 minutes alone with Schwartzman breaking Nadal once and the Spaniard having to save three other break points before taking it.
He moved a step closer after claiming a more comfortable second set as Schwartzman lacked the attacking intensity he had shown in Rome.
He looked down and out at 1-3 in the third set but dug in admirably, breaking Nadal twice in succession to pull back to 4-4. Now it was Schwartzman dictating much of the play but, with the Spaniard's hold for 6-5, the door was closed.
It was eventually settled by a tie-break which Nadal ran away with to ensure he reached the final in Paris without dropping a set for the sixth time. He will now get his opportunity to join old foe Federer as the greatest of all time in the men's game.
Speaking at his press conference, Nadal said: "We tried to go on court with a plan, with the right determination. In some way I think I played tactically the right match.
"I think I made a couple of mistakes tactically and of course technically. But, in general terms, I am super happy about the match.
"It has been an important victory for me against a very tough player. To win against Diego, you have to work a lot and you have to play well for such a long time.
"That's what I did today. I think I played solid. I played with the right determination in most of the moments of the match."
Schwartzman said: "He played better than Rome. He has a lot of matches right now in his body, so it's better for him.
"Maybe I made a few mistakes with my backhand today. I was not really aggressive with the backhand. But Rafa is Rafa. I think he knows how to improve. He knows how to practise, how to do everything.
"After Rome, he goes straight to practise. He went to improve the things that he did bad in Rome. That's why he's in the final right now."
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