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Nadal Outlasts Djokovic In Epic French Open Semifinal

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Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their French tennis Open semi final match at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris on June 7, 2013. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK KOVARIK (Photo credit should read PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images)

PARIS (AP) -- Rafael Nadal won an epic semifinal against Novak Djokovic at the French Open to remain the King of Clay _ for another couple of days, at least.

Seven-time champion Nadal twice let a lead slip away in the fourth set Friday, then came from behind in the fifth to beat the No. 1-ranked Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7.

Djokovic blew an easy overhead on the opening point on the final game and went on to lose serve at love, sending his final forehand long.

Nadal improved to 58-1 at Roland Garros, including five wins over Djokovic. The French Open remains the only major title Djokovic has yet to win.

Nadal is trying to become the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam event.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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