Rafael Nadal dropped a set for the first time at this year’s French Open but ultimately advanced to the semifinals for a record-extending 14th time.
The 13-time Roland Garros champion faced a stiff challenge from gritty 10th-seeded Diego Schwartzman and prevailed 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 on Court Philippe Chatrier on Wednesday.
Nadal was down 4-3 in the third set but won nine games in a row to seal the match.
Nadal will be up against either top-ranked Novak Djokovic or Matteo Berrettini in the semifinals.
On Tuesday night, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to stay on track for a first Grand Slam final at the French Open.
Greek fifth seed Tsitsipas qualified for his third successive major semi-final, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 to avenge his defeat by second-ranked Medvedev at the Australian Open and set up a showdown with Alexander Zverev.
“I was playing against one of the best guys on the tour and I had to keep up with the intensity and elevate my game,” said Tsitsipas.
“I thought I was playing good and not giving him space to do things and I think my performance was close to one of my best this week. I love being in Paris, it brings back good memories and I’m happy to keep going.”
Tsitsipas had won just one of seven previous matches with Medvedev, but the former arrived at Roland Garros favoured to reach the final after titles in Monte Carlo and Lyon, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the opposite half of the draw.