Melzer battles back to oust Djokovic

Jurgen Melzer came from two sets down to beat number three seed Novak Djokovic and set up a semi-final meeting with Rafael Nadal in a marathon clash at Roland Garros.

After four hours and 15 minutes of intense battle, No. 22 seed Melzer eventually triumphed 3-6 2-6 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 as Djokovic, who has claimed to be suffering from hayfever-like symptoms, faded.

Even so, he did not go down easily. After narrowly missing his chance to win the match in the fourth set, Djokovic was up 3-2 in the fifth as it went to serve in the early stages.

Djokovic then had the chance to break Melzer and take a potentially decisive lead, but Melzer hit an outstanding drop shot to save the point.

Djokovic went 4-3 up, but Melzer smashed an ace to tie it once again.

The Austrian then stole the initiative with a forehand down the line that made it 30-0 but, as he has done all tournament, he failed twice on break point before eventually taking his third opportunity as Djokovic's volley hit the net.

Melzer got to match point only to dump a routine volley into the net and allow Djokovic to take it to deuce.

A tense battle followed, but Melzer won on his third match point as Djokovic's return went long.

The 29-year-old Melzer is through to his first Grand Slam semi-final.