Djokovic, Sharapova advance at French Open

Novak Djokovic qualified for the French Open semi-finals for the sixth time with a clinical 7-5 7-6 (5) 6-4 victory over Milos Raonic yesterday.

"It is complicated to play against him because he has a great serve, powerful and accurate, difficult to anticipate," said Djokovic in a courtside interview. "It was important to be mentally strong and consistent."

The world number two, chasing the only Grand Slam title to elude him, next meets 18th-seeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Djokovic has only reached the French Open final once before when he lost to eight-time champion Rafael Nadal in 2012.

At 6-1 5-4 down, Maria Sharapova was on the verge of being toppled by Garbine Muguruza, who had blown away Serena Williams in the second round, but she eventually found her way to a 1-6 7-5 6-1 victory.

"If I lost that match, I would be kicking myself in the bottom," Sharapova said after reaching the semi-finals again.