French Open Men's Singles Quarterfinal Results: Nadal on Track for 9th

Rafael Nadal. Enough said. No one can speak about the French Open and not speak of this man. Nadal is has won the event eight times and is now gunning for his ninth title in Roland Garros. He edged one step closer this year by edging over countryman David Ferrer in the quarterfinals. .

Captain Consistent Ferrer was in good shape at the beginning of the match and took the first set from the defending champion, 6-4. That would have been his best look at a chance though as Nadal steam rolled past him taking the next three sets in increasingly convincing score lines, 6-4, 6-0, 6-1.

Nadal's throne as world number one has been constantly threatened throughout the year as he got sidelined by injury issues and was not as consistent as he used to be. In fact, despite an overwhelming 21-6 head-to-head record going for Nadal, his last clash with Ferrer went to the latter in Monte Carlo this year.

Nadal overwhelmed Ferrer in last year's Roland Garros final but his recent dip in form led many to believe that Ferrer had a good chance to exact his revenge this year. However, Nadal always draws on some level of strength when playing in this tournament and he stays on course to take his fifth consecutive win with his eight title streak broken only by Roger Federer in 2009. Nadal will be going up against Andy Murray in the semi-finals.

The very partial French crowd were not too happy to see Murray through as he took out lone French hope Gael Monfils in their quarterfinal match in Philippe Chatrier.

It was not an easy win though, and the Frenchman gave the crowd plenty to cheer for before finally conceding the match after a dramatic five sets.

Murray took the first two sets but instead of closing it out, he was unable to jump over the finish line and allowed Monfils to take back two sets thus giving the home crowd a major boost. Murray then closed it out in spectacular fashion by blanking Monfils in the final set.

The other semi final will be played between world no. 2 Novak Djokovic and Ernests Gulbis. Djokovic, who is still nipping at the heels of Rafa Nadal to finally establish his claim on the no. 1 spot, will be doing his best to fend off the Latvian who took out Roger Federer earlier in the tournament.

Quarterfinal Results:

Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer 4-6,6-4,6-0,6-1

Andy Murray def. Gael Monfils 6-4,6-1,4-6,1-6,6-0

Ernests Gulbis def. Tomas Berdych 6-3,6-2,6-4

Novak Djokovic def. 7-5,7-6(5),6-4

Semi Final Matches:

Rafael Nadal vs. Andy Murray

Ernests Gulbis vs. Novak Djokovic