Rafael Nadal's attempt to claim a 10th French Open title came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as world number one Novak Djokovic claimed a straight-sets victory.
The top seed produced some stunning shots throughout an enthralling quarter-final on Court Philippe-Chatrier, eventually sealing his semi-final place 7-5 6-3 6-1.
Nadal's previous nine titles at Roland Garros could not help him against the dominant Djokovic, the Serb racking up a 27th successive win on tour to inflict only the second defeat the Spaniard has suffered at the grand slam.
The French Open champion in every year but 2009 from 2005 onwards, Nadal was under pressure immediately as Djokovic made a strong start, forcing his rival into an error before closing out the opening game with a stunning forehand cross court.
Djokovic was in total control of the tempo, moving Nadal all over the court as the pair produced some thrilling rallies, but errors were costing the Spaniard dear.
There was brief respite as Nadal found his groove to destroy Djokovic's four-game lead, this time it was the Serb's turn to be errant, a miscued volley wiping out his advantage.
Nadal could not push on from there, though, and he was quickly on the defensive as Djokovic powered towards the set, the 28-year-old executing a sumptuous cross-court forehand that the defending champion could not return.
Djokovic wasted four set points, but, after Nadal was given a time warning, was quick to re-apply the pressure, moving ahead in the match after 59 minutes.
Instead of delight at taking the lead, Djokovic was quick to question the umpire about the decision not to water the court in-between sets, but it mattered little as he flourished in the second.
It took until the eighth game before either was able to fashion an opening, Djokovic wasting it with a wide backhand. It was not long before another arrived thanks to an outrageous half-volley backhand at the net.
Djokovic sealed the break, and the set, with two powerful forehands and was then relieved to see the court watered – his previous complaints clearly heeded by officials.
A stunning shot at the net produced an early opportunity in the third and two uncharacteristic shots from Nadal gave Djokovic an immediate advantage.
Nadal's game was quickly falling apart and after another break of serve the Spaniard was unable to arrest his own decline, a double fault completing a disappointing defeat and leaving Djokovic on course for a career grand slam.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray battled past David Ferrer in four sets on Wednesday, winning 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 5-7 6-1 to book a semi-final meeting with Djokovic.
It was the third seed's first win over Ferrer on clay, and gained a measure of revenge for a defeat to the Spaniard at this stage three years ago.
Murray has been in fine form on the red surface in recent weeks, picking up titles in Munich and Madrid. Barring a wobble towards the end of the third set here, it was another impressive display on Suzanne Lenglen.
Victory secured Murray his third semi-final at Roland Garros, but he will face an altogether sterner test in Djokovic next up, after the world number one demolished defending champion and nine-time winner Rafael Nadal in straight sets.