Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday.

Pliskova's 6-3 6-4 victory meant she completed her White Group play with a 2-1 record to advance to the semi-finals of the eight-woman tournament for the second year in a row.

A naturally-attacking player, Pliskova said the advice from her coach Rennae Stubbs to "stay disciplined" towards the end of the first set had paid off as she curbed her aggression to snuff out Kvitova's attempt at a comeback.

"Rennae said, 'Look, you both want to hit winners, but it's not really only about the winners today. So she can make more mistakes than you'" Pliskova told reporters.

"So that was the mentality today. I think that worked well, because I just didn't want to hit 20 winners.

"I did not want to be not passive, actually, but patient and I believe I was happy when I was in the rally. So I felt like I had a good chance to win all those rallies."

Pliskova, who had lost her first three matches against fellow left-hander Kvitova, said she had learned her lesson quickly after dropping her serve twice.

"I was just not serving that well, and not serving as clever as I can," she told reporters.

"So I just tried to mix a little bit and it was much better, because she started to hit the ball well after the first set, started to be more loose, so of course she has the ability to hit some winners, some good shots and good returns."

Pliskova's steady approach enabled her to profit from the stream of errors from across the net. Kvitova racked up 32 unforced errors, nearly double Pliskova's total.

"When you play some other girls, you really have time for your shots. But with her, you really have to build a point," she said. "And once she`s on the run, there`s a big chance she's going to miss, because she's going to overpower all those shots when she's running.

"So I just tried to move her around and change the speed. I just believed I have the weapons which can work against her, and I felt better on this surface than her.&nbsp;

"She was missing a lot. There was no reason to panic and no reason why I should be, like, overplaying or missing too much."

Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday.

Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday. Pliskova's 6-3 6-4 victory meant she completed her White Group play with a 2-1 record to advance to the semi-finals of the eight-woman tournament for the second year in a row. A naturally-attacking player, Pliskova said the advice from her coach Rennae Stubbs to "stay disciplined" towards the end of the first set had paid off as she curbed her aggression to snuff out Kvitova's attempt at a comeback. "Rennae said, 'Look, you both want to hit winners, but it's not really only about the winners today. So she can make more mistakes than you'" Pliskova told reporters. "So that was the mentality today. I think that worked well, because I just didn't want to hit 20 winners. "I did not want to be not passive, actually, but patient and I believe I was happy when I was in the rally. So I felt like I had a good chance to win all those rallies." Pliskova, who had lost her first three matches against fellow left-hander Kvitova, said she had learned her lesson quickly after dropping her serve twice. "I was just not serving that well, and not serving as clever as I can," she told reporters. "So I just tried to mix a little bit and it was much better, because she started to hit the ball well after the first set, started to be more loose, so of course she has the ability to hit some winners, some good shots and good returns." Pliskova's steady approach enabled her to profit from the stream of errors from across the net. Kvitova racked up 32 unforced errors, nearly double Pliskova's total. "When you play some other girls, you really have time for your shots. But with her, you really have to build a point," she said. "And once she`s on the run, there`s a big chance she's going to miss, because she's going to overpower all those shots when she's running. "So I just tried to move her around and change the speed. I just believed I have the weapons which can work against her, and I felt better on this surface than her. "She was missing a lot. There was no reason to panic and no reason why I should be, like, overplaying or missing too much."

Pliskova eases past Kvitova to book semi-final berth

Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One. The two-time Wimbledon champion has now won 13 consecutive matches on clay after claiming titles in Prague and Madrid and will face Estonia's 25th seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in the last 16. Czech Kvitova has not reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since a run to the last four in 2012. The 28-year-old raced through the opening set in only 24 minutes, and although she was pegged back after an early break in the second, a booming forehand sealed victory with a third straight game.

Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth consecutive year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets.

The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4.

Svitolina, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, will take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu in the last 32.

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Lucky #️⃣1️⃣3️⃣<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> notches her 13th consecutive match win, blasting past Arruabarrena 6-0 6-4 to book her spot in the 3R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/fAMEeK0IWY">pic.twitter.com/fAMEeK0IWY</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1001769505016737793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Elsewhere, charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5.

The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week.

Williams, who made her Grand Slam return with a singles win on Tuesday, is back in action in the doubles with sister Venus later on Wednesday.

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That winning moment. ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXFQqiKiBo">pic.twitter.com/NXFQqiKiBo</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1001775517148868609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One

Eighth seed Petra Kvitova eased into the third round with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Spain's Lara Arruabarrena on Court One. The two-time Wimbledon champion has now won 13 consecutive matches on clay after claiming titles in Prague and Madrid and will face Estonia's 25th seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in the last 16. Czech Kvitova has not reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since a run to the last four in 2012. The 28-year-old raced through the opening set in only 24 minutes, and although she was pegged back after an early break in the second, a booming forehand sealed victory with a third straight game. Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina reached the last 32 for the fourth consecutive year by brushing aside Viktoria Kuzmova in straight sets. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Paris having won her second straight Italian Open title, saw off her Slovakian opponent 6-3, 6-4. Svitolina, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, will take on Romanian 31st seed Mihaela Buzarnescu in the last 32. Lucky #️⃣1️⃣3️⃣@Petra_Kvitova notches her 13th consecutive match win, blasting past Arruabarrena 6-0 6-4 to book her spot in the 3R.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/fAMEeK0IWY — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 × Elsewhere, charismatic Japanese 21st seed Naomi Osaka came through a tight match with Kazakhstan's Zarina Diyas 6-4, 7-5. The 20-year-old Osaka is seeded for the first time at a major tournament, having lifted the prestigious Indian Wells title earlier this year before beating Serena Williams in Miami the following week. Williams, who made her Grand Slam return with a singles win on Tuesday, is back in action in the doubles with sister Venus later on Wednesday. That winning moment. ?#RG18 pic.twitter.com/NXFQqiKiBo — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 ×

French Open: Petra Kvitova enters 3rd round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena

Karolina Pliskova and Petra Kvitova won their opening singles matches to give Czech Republic a commanding 2-0 lead in their Fed Cup semi-final against Germany in Stuttgart on Saturday.

Kvitova powered past German number one Julia Goerges 6-3 6-2 before Pliskova produced a sublime display to record a 7-5 6-3 victory over Angelique Kerber.

Pliskova, who had lost in her previous three encounters with Kerber, fired 15 aces and faced no break points as she subdued the home fans in Stuttgart."No one expected it," Pliskova said after the German failed to win a set on day one.

Kvitova recorded her 29th Fed Cup victory on the back of a strong serve and a string of blistering groundstrokes.

World number 11 Goerges was stronger in the opening exchanges and raced to a 3-1 lead in the first set before Kvitova rediscovered her rhythm to level things up.

The 28-year-old Czech claimed nine of the last 11 games and dropped just two points on her serve to seal the victory on the stroke of an hour.

The 10-time champion Czechs are looking to reach the Fed Cup final after a one-year absence. The last time Germany won the Fed Cup title was in 1992 in Frankfurt.

Kvitova powered past German number one Julia Goerges

Karolina Pliskova and Petra Kvitova won their opening singles matches to give Czech Republic a commanding 2-0 lead in their Fed Cup semi-final against Germany in Stuttgart on Saturday. Kvitova powered past German number one Julia Goerges 6-3 6-2 before Pliskova produced a sublime display to record a 7-5 6-3 victory over Angelique Kerber. Pliskova, who had lost in her previous three encounters with Kerber, fired 15 aces and faced no break points as she subdued the home fans in Stuttgart."No one expected it," Pliskova said after the German failed to win a set on day one. Kvitova recorded her 29th Fed Cup victory on the back of a strong serve and a string of blistering groundstrokes. World number 11 Goerges was stronger in the opening exchanges and raced to a 3-1 lead in the first set before Kvitova rediscovered her rhythm to level things up. The 28-year-old Czech claimed nine of the last 11 games and dropped just two points on her serve to seal the victory on the stroke of an hour. The 10-time champion Czechs are looking to reach the Fed Cup final after a one-year absence. The last time Germany won the Fed Cup title was in 1992 in Frankfurt.

Pliskova and Kvitova give Czechs commanding lead over Germany

Petra Kvitova fought back from a set down against Garbine Muguruza on Sunday to win the Qatar Open, a victory which will take her back into the world&#39;s top 10.

Kvitova overcame an awful start which saw her lose the first five games to eventually triumph 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It is the first time Kvitova has been ranked among the world&#39;s elite since a horrific knife attack at her home in December 2016 left her with an injured hand.

&quot;It feels great, it&#39;s a beautiful trophy,&quot; she said. &quot;It took a while to have it. Today, it was a big fight.&quot;

Asked about being back in the top 10, Kvitova replied: &quot;I remember sometime last year when I was asked about this, I couldn&#39;t even dream of it,&quot; she said. &quot;It&#39;s a very special feeling to be back.&quot;

Questioned if it felt more special because of the circumstances of her comeback, she added: &quot;It&#39;s something that&#39;s amazing, let&#39;s say. I couldn&#39;t really wish for more.&quot;

The win in Doha is the Czech star&#39;s second title of the season and 22nd career tournament victory.&nbsp;

It also extended her current winning streak to 13 matches, just one short of her career record.

She also beat four players in the top 10 this week in Doha, including world number one Caroline Wozniacki, to take the title.

Kvitova began the year ranked number 29 but was already on the rise after her win earlier this month in St Petersburg.

Her shaky start in Sunday&#39;s final extended to the second set, where Muguruza had break points in three separate service games.

She was unable to convert though and gradually Kvitova began to dominate and then broke the Spaniard&#39;s serve to edge ahead 4-2.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with Muguruza still having chances and even failing to take three break points in the fourth game of the decider.

It proved to be fatal as Kvitova not only held her serve but immediately broke the Spaniard&#39;s to take a lead in the match for the first time - an advantage she never relinquished.

In total, Kvitova faced 11 break points, but only lost her serve in the first set.

Muguruza -- who had an extra day to prepare for the final after receiving a bye in the semi-final -- finished the game with heavy strapping on her left knee, which she said was down to a &quot;weird movement&quot; but was hopeful there was no serious problem.

&quot;I think I had a lot of break points and I didn&#39;t convert them,&quot; said Muguruza.&nbsp;

&quot;I think also because she came out with all those winners. But yeah, I think if I would have got one of those break points it would be different.&quot;&nbsp;

Despite the defeat, Muguruza will move up one position in the rankings, making her the world number three.

&nbsp;

Kvitova overcame an awful start which saw her lose the first five games to eventually triumph 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Petra Kvitova fought back from a set down against Garbine Muguruza on Sunday to win the Qatar Open, a victory which will take her back into the world's top 10. Kvitova overcame an awful start which saw her lose the first five games to eventually triumph 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. It is the first time Kvitova has been ranked among the world's elite since a horrific knife attack at her home in December 2016 left her with an injured hand. "It feels great, it's a beautiful trophy," she said. "It took a while to have it. Today, it was a big fight." Asked about being back in the top 10, Kvitova replied: "I remember sometime last year when I was asked about this, I couldn't even dream of it," she said. "It's a very special feeling to be back." Questioned if it felt more special because of the circumstances of her comeback, she added: "It's something that's amazing, let's say. I couldn't really wish for more." The win in Doha is the Czech star's second title of the season and 22nd career tournament victory. It also extended her current winning streak to 13 matches, just one short of her career record. She also beat four players in the top 10 this week in Doha, including world number one Caroline Wozniacki, to take the title. Kvitova began the year ranked number 29 but was already on the rise after her win earlier this month in St Petersburg. Her shaky start in Sunday's final extended to the second set, where Muguruza had break points in three separate service games. She was unable to convert though and gradually Kvitova began to dominate and then broke the Spaniard's serve to edge ahead 4-2. The third set followed a similar pattern, with Muguruza still having chances and even failing to take three break points in the fourth game of the decider. It proved to be fatal as Kvitova not only held her serve but immediately broke the Spaniard's to take a lead in the match for the first time - an advantage she never relinquished. In total, Kvitova faced 11 break points, but only lost her serve in the first set. Muguruza -- who had an extra day to prepare for the final after receiving a bye in the semi-final -- finished the game with heavy strapping on her left knee, which she said was down to a "weird movement" but was hopeful there was no serious problem. "I think I had a lot of break points and I didn't convert them," said Muguruza. "I think also because she came out with all those winners. But yeah, I think if I would have got one of those break points it would be different." Despite the defeat, Muguruza will move up one position in the rankings, making her the world number three.

Kvitova takes Qatar title to clinch top 10 return

French Open title rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32 on Wednesday, while women&#39;s defending champion Garbine Muguruza survived a second-round scare.

Nadal outclassed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier to continue his quest for an incredible 10th Roland Garros triumph.

&quot;I was more or less under control during the whole match, so I&#39;m very happy. Winning in straight sets is always good news,&quot; said Nadal.

&quot;I think I did a lot of things well this afternoon.&quot;

The Spaniard will face Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in round four after the Georgian matched his best ever run at a Grand Slam.

Defending champion Djokovic battered Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to make it four wins in as many meetings with the world number 59.

The second seed plays Argentina&#39;s Diego Schwartzman for a place in the last 16.

&quot;I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult,&quot; said Djokovic.

&quot;Generally, I felt better than the first round, so that&#39;s exactly what I wanted.&quot;

Sixth seed Dominic Thiem charged into round three with a routine win over Simone Bolelli, sweeping the Italian aside 7-5, 6-1, 6-3.

The Austrian, who is the only player to defeat Nadal on clay this season, will meet American 25th seed Steve Johnson next as he looks to build on last year&#39;s run to the semi-finals.

Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin sailed through, but French hopes suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out to Renzo Olivo in his opening match.

Serving to stay in the contest when darkness halted their tie on Tuesday, Tsonga was broken immediately when play resumed as the Argentine world number 91 wrapped up a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 win.

Reigning champion Muguruza survived another tough examination from 53rd-ranked Anett Kontaveit, who beat the Spaniard in Stuttgart last month.

Muguruza has endured a difficult 2017 and again found herself in trouble after falling a set and a break behind against the Estonian.

But the fourth seed recovered to claw out a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 win and book a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.

&quot;I knew it was going to be a battle out there,&quot; said Muguruza, who beat Serena Williams in last year&#39;s final.

&quot;I knew that losing to her not long ago I did something different this time. I think something different in a good way. So I won the match.

American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands halted Petra Kvitova&#39;s comeback, defeating the popular Czech 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5)&nbsp;in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack in December.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m disappointed, for sure. I came here to win the matches,&quot; said twice former Wimbledon champion Kvitova.

&quot;But I really fought. I mean, after the match, I didn&#39;t feel that bad as normally I probably do.

&quot;I&#39;m still happy I&#39;m here and playing. The fairytale ended. Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual.&quot;

Venus Williams shook off a slow start to ease into the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan&#39;s Kurumi Nara.

Williams, the 2002 runner-up who turns 37 next month, will play Belgium&#39;s Elise Mertens in the third round.

&quot;Do I sense (the draw) is open? I just am really focused on me and nothing&#39;s a given, or else I&#39;d win every match,&quot; said Venus, who has sister Serena in Paris supporting her.

Caroline Wozniacki dished out a chastening 6-0, 6-0 thrashing to Canadian qualifier Francoise Abanda in just 52 minutes.

The 20-year-old blamed the exertions of coming through three qualifying rounds in order to reach the main draw.&nbsp;

&quot;I wasn&#39;t impressed at all,&quot; Abanda retorted when asked if she was struck by anything in Wozniacki&#39;s game.

&quot;As I told you, fitness-wise and physically, I was tired.

&quot;I think that she played her second match. I played five matches.&quot;

Lucky loser Ons Jabeur of Tunisia stunned Slovak sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Arab woman to reach the third round of a Grand Slam.

(AFP)

Meanwhile, defending champion on the women's side, Garbine Muguruza, struggled to win her second round match

French Open title rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic stormed into the last 32 on Wednesday, while women's defending champion Garbine Muguruza survived a second-round scare. Nadal outclassed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier to continue his quest for an incredible 10th Roland Garros triumph. "I was more or less under control during the whole match, so I'm very happy. Winning in straight sets is always good news," said Nadal. "I think I did a lot of things well this afternoon." The Spaniard will face Nikoloz Basilashvili for a place in round four after the Georgian matched his best ever run at a Grand Slam. Defending champion Djokovic battered Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 to make it four wins in as many meetings with the world number 59. The second seed plays Argentina's Diego Schwartzman for a place in the last 16. "I think the first two sets went very well, the third was was more difficult," said Djokovic. "Generally, I felt better than the first round, so that's exactly what I wanted." Sixth seed Dominic Thiem charged into round three with a routine win over Simone Bolelli, sweeping the Italian aside 7-5, 6-1, 6-3. The Austrian, who is the only player to defeat Nadal on clay this season, will meet American 25th seed Steve Johnson next as he looks to build on last year's run to the semi-finals. Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin sailed through, but French hopes suffered a huge blow as 12th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out to Renzo Olivo in his opening match. Serving to stay in the contest when darkness halted their tie on Tuesday, Tsonga was broken immediately when play resumed as the Argentine world number 91 wrapped up a 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 win. Reigning champion Muguruza survived another tough examination from 53rd-ranked Anett Kontaveit, who beat the Spaniard in Stuttgart last month. Muguruza has endured a difficult 2017 and again found herself in trouble after falling a set and a break behind against the Estonian. But the fourth seed recovered to claw out a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 win and book a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan. "I knew it was going to be a battle out there," said Muguruza, who beat Serena Williams in last year's final. "I knew that losing to her not long ago I did something different this time. I think something different in a good way. So I won the match. American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands halted Petra Kvitova's comeback, defeating the popular Czech 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack in December. "I'm disappointed, for sure. I came here to win the matches," said twice former Wimbledon champion Kvitova. "But I really fought. I mean, after the match, I didn't feel that bad as normally I probably do. "I'm still happy I'm here and playing. The fairytale ended. Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual." Venus Williams shook off a slow start to ease into the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Japan's Kurumi Nara. Williams, the 2002 runner-up who turns 37 next month, will play Belgium's Elise Mertens in the third round. "Do I sense (the draw) is open? I just am really focused on me and nothing's a given, or else I'd win every match," said Venus, who has sister Serena in Paris supporting her. Caroline Wozniacki dished out a chastening 6-0, 6-0 thrashing to Canadian qualifier Francoise Abanda in just 52 minutes. The 20-year-old blamed the exertions of coming through three qualifying rounds in order to reach the main draw. "I wasn't impressed at all," Abanda retorted when asked if she was struck by anything in Wozniacki's game. "As I told you, fitness-wise and physically, I was tired. "I think that she played her second match. I played five matches." Lucky loser Ons Jabeur of Tunisia stunned Slovak sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3 to become the first Arab woman to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. (AFP)

French Open: Nadal, Djokovic storm into round 3; Kvitova's fairytale over

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;semi-final on Friday.

Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds.

&quot;Rafa is the number one favourite,&quot; said Djokovic.

World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four.

Murray starts against Russia&#39;s world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round.

Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012.

If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori in the last eight.

The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week.

The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process.

Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009.

&#39;No magic pattern&#39;&nbsp;

On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev.

&quot;It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here,&quot; said Djokovic at the draw on Friday.

&quot;It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams.&quot;

Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause.

He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini.

Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow &#39;NextGen&#39; star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.

Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In the women&#39;s draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round.

Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals.

&quot;I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern,&quot; said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week.

Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone.

Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China.

Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as &quot;50-50&quot; earlier this week.

The women&#39;s event is regarded as being wide&nbsp;open&nbsp;with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent.

If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova.

Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta would be Pliskova&#39;s last-eight rival.

(AFP)

World number one Andy Murray, meanwhile, has a potential third round against Juan Martin del Potro

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster French Open semi-final on Friday. Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds. "Rafa is the number one favourite," said Djokovic. World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four. Murray starts against Russia's world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire. Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round. Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012. If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the last eight. The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada's Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem. Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week. The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process. Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009. 'No magic pattern' On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev. "It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here," said Djokovic at the draw on Friday. "It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams." Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause. He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini. Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow 'NextGen' star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. In the women's draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round. Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals. "I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern," said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week. Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone. Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China. Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as "50-50" earlier this week. The women's event is regarded as being wide open with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent. If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova. Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain's Johanna Konta would be Pliskova's last-eight rival. (AFP)

French Open draw: Nadal, Djokovic set on collision course

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