Saturday 18 April 2015 14:28, UK
Novak Djokovic will take on Rafael Nadal in their first clash of the season at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Serb has not faced Nadal since he suffered defeat against the Spaniard in last year's French Open final, but they will renew their rivalry in Saturday's semi-final.
Djokovic made serene progress to the last four, cruising to a 6-0 6-3 victory over Marin Cilic, while Nadal was forced to work for his last four spot as he closed out a 6-4 5-7 6-2 win over compatriot David Ferrer.
There have been fresh concerns about Nadal's fragile fitness this year and it remains to be seen if he can muster another all-action display against the dominant world No 1.
But the man from Mallorca has shown flashes of his best form on his favourite surface, defusing John Isner's big serve in the quarter-finals.
Toppling Djokovic could be a difficult feat as the 27-year-old is brimming with confidence after collecting titles at Indian Wells and Miami.
The Australian Open champion is yet to drop a set in this tournament and will be determined to thwart Nadal's bid for a ninth title.
In the other semi-final, sixth seed Tomas Berdych is pitted against Gael Monfils, who has already claimed victories over Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov.
The enigmatic Frenchman edged out Federer in a tense encounter, but then ruthlessly swept aside the Bulgarian in the quarter-finals.
Berdych is yet to receive a real test and was gifted a place in the semis after Milos Raonic pulled out through injury.
The Czech will want to avoid more semi-final disappointment after falling short at this stage to Andy Murray in Australia and Miami.
Watch the climax of the Monte Carlo Masters on Sky Sports 5 HD on Saturday and Sky Sports 4 HD on Sunday.
