French Open 2015: Novak Djokovic thrashes Rafael Nadal to reach the semifinals

Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning a point against Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 to progress to the semifinals of the French Open.

Djokovic got off the blocks in style breaking Nadal twice to race away to a 4-0 lead in the opening set. The Serb combined brute force with fine drop shots even as unforced errors started to increase off Nadal's racket.

Nadal fought back like only he can winning four games in a row to neutralize the double break. Things were getting tight at the back end of the set as the World No. 1 upped the pressure on the 9-time champion. The Spaniard saved five set points before missing a backhand volley in the twelfth game to give Djokovic a one set lead.

Nadal started coming to the net more often in the second set and it paid dividends as he put away volleys with ease. Djokovic on the other hand was miserly on his serves losing just one point in his first five service games. The World No. 1 got the crucial break in the eighth game and took the second set off his fourth set point.

Nadal was trailing by two sets to love at Roland Garros for the first time in his career.

There was no relief for the 14-time Grand Slam champion as Djokovic was more aggressive in the third set and took a double break to lead 4-0. Nadal saved few break points in the fifth game to come on board in the third set.

Djokovic held his serve to love in the next game. Djokovic had three match points and converted off his first chance to beat Nadal for the first time at Roland Garros.