Meeting for their 58th career clash, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal put on an epic show, in which the Serbian handed the 13-time champion his third defeat in 16 years and 108 matches at the French Open.

Djokovic triumphed 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 on Friday and reached his sixth Roland Garros final. He is on course to capture a 19th major and become the first man in over 50 years to win all four Slams twice.

Djokovic, the 2016 champion in Paris who had also beaten Nadal at the 2015 tournament, will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final in what will be his 29th championship match at the Slams.

Tsitsipas had earlier become the first Greek to reach a Grand Slam final with a 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

Following four hours and 11 minutes of intense action, Djokovic said, “It was a privilege to face Rafa in such an incredible match.”

“Tonight it was my greatest ever match in Paris.”

It was his second win in eight meetings in Paris with Nadal, a sequence which also included three losses in finals.

It was Nadal’s first defeat in 14 semi-finals in the French capital.

“Probably it was not my best day today, even if I fought,” said Nadal.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I had a big chance. There were some crazy points but there was fatigue there.”

Djokovic finished with 50 winners; Nadal committed 55 unforced errors under the relentless assault.

“You cannot play better clay-court tennis than this. It’s perfect,” tweeted Andy Murray.

In another twist on a dramatic evening, the 5,000 spectators inside Court Philippe Chatrier were allowed to watch the conclusion of the match despite it passing the 11 pm COVID-19 curfew.

“In agreement with the national authorities, the match will come to an end in your presence,” said a stadium announcer told delighted fans.