Rafael Nadal faces Novak Djokovic at French Open on Wednesday

Rafael Nadal's lengthy reign at the French Open will be threatened by Novak Djokovic on Wednesday, while Andy Murray returns to action.

Defending champion Nadal has won all six of his previous matches against Djokovic at Roland Garros but this latest encounter is preceded by fresh intrigue, with both tennis greats targeting landmark triumphs this year.

Nadal has lost only once in 71 matches at the French Open – to Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009 – and is edging toward a record 10th title.

But Djokovic stands his way, seeking a first ever French title to complete a career Grand Slam and keep alive his hopes of a calendar Slam in 2015.  

In last year’s final, the Serb dominated the early stages in the sweltering 30-degree heat on Philippe Chatrier court.

But Nadal gradually gained a grip and although the match ended on a sour note, with his opponent committing a double fault on match point after a jeer from the crowd, the halting of his four-match losing streak against Djokovic was significant.

The man from Mallorca had also ruined Djokovic’s title hopes in the previous two years, defeating him in the 2013 semi-finals and the 2012 final.

He holds a slightly better head-to-head record with 23 wins in their 43 matches, but Djokovic has produced a perfect record on clay this year, including a Monte Carlo semi-final win over Nadal in April.

Such masterful form has seen Djokovic take top seeding at this year’s tournament and he brushed aside Richard Gasquet in the fourth round.

Nadal, in contrast, has stuttered on his favourite surface in recent months and this upcoming meeting with Djokovic could spell the end of his lengthy reign.  

Murray faces Ferrer

British No 1 Murray has stayed on course for a semi-final clash against the winner, but firstly he must end David Ferrer’s dominant record against him on clay.

The Spaniard has won all four of their meetings on the red dirt, including a previous Paris quarter-final in 2012.  

But Murray is producing his best ever tennis on the surface, racking up 14 straight victories this year to bring titles in Munich and Madrid.

Impressive wins over Nick Kyrgios and Jeremy Chardy should instil even more confidence in the Scot as he takes to the court against Ferrer, a man he defeated in their two most recent meetings in Vienna and Valencia.    

Ferrer sent out his own statement of intent in the last round, inflicting a straight sets defeat on Marin Cilic, and the losing 2013 finalist should sternly examine Murray’s title ambitions.

Serena still on track 

In the women’s draw, top seed Serena Williams continues her challenge for a third trophy against Italian Sara Errani.

Maria Sharapova’s fourth-round exit appears to have opened the door for the American, but she failed to impress while labouring to victory over fellow American Sloane Stephens in the last stage.

Errani, the 17th seed, has lost all eight of her matches with Williams and it remains to be seen if she is capable of producing a major upset win against the world No 1.