Sahil Oberoi:, external Nadal's record at #RolandGarros is 64-1, that's unheard of I'm virtually any sport. Sorry Murray fans but it doesn't bode well!

Robin Armstrong:, external Andy has to start well or Rafa will lead too well from the front. Can't see a victory if Rafa wins first set

Kevin Le Tissier:, external Not many would back Andy to win here but there is a first time for everything and this is why we love sport, unpredictable

Mary Pierce
Former Australian and French Open champion on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Rafa is such a tough opponent, no one hits such a heavy ball like him. His defence is amazing and if you hit the ball too short then he is all over you. There are too many unforced errors from Andy so far, he is just trying to measure things out like 'how aggressive can I be'?"

You can listen to full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Andy Murray's cornermen have clearly whispered to their man that he needs knockout blows from the off before shoving him off his stool and into the path of Rafael Nadal.

The Briton is getting after anything that is a little short, crashing away with groundstrokes, but he has not quite got his eye in yet.

Murray slips to 15-40 and two break points down as he chops long. Nadal seizes the set by the throats and gives it a shake as he converts the first.

A mammoth opening point with Andy Murray refusing to give ground on the baseline as Rafael Nadal attempts to power through him before the British number one brings it to a close with a pin-point backhand. Perfect depth, perfect accuracy.

It is going to be a gruelling one if they keep this up though.

Murray cannot build on that promising start. Nadal starts climbing into a few forehands, Murray starts retreating to buy himself more time and he is bullied out of the game.

This is the first time the pair have met at a Grand Slam since Andy Murray broke his big-four duck at the US Open in 2012.

Nadal to serve...

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Tennis:, external Murray has been on court 4 hours and 34 minutes longer than Nadal during this French Open

Andy Murray speaking to Mark Petchey on ITV4, on the reason behind Rafa's success at Roland Garros: "He just likes these conditions, whether it favours him more I don't know but he just says the warm conditions suit him. I think that it is his body too because of the problems he has had with his knees."

On the debate on the length of time players are taking between points: "25 seconds, as we have on Tour, is a good amount of time, I don't understand why there is a change from ATP events down to 20 seconds at the ITF events, like the Grand Slams, because five seconds might not seem like a lot but it is.

"There will be some long points so I will need to take as much recovery as I can but it's difficult for the umpire to enforce too because it can be that you are ready to serve after 25 seconds but if the crowd are not settled then you cannot serve."

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

We are up and flying on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra with Russell Fuller and Mary Pierce shouting the odds.

Turn on and tune in.

Image source, AFP

Ryan in Rushden, via text: I'm an avid Murray fan - I'll support him to the end - but I have a feeling Nadal has more left in the tank after Andy's 3 x 5 setters!!

Seb in Cambridge, via text: Just remember the French have a lot more sport to cheer about than England (basketball, Volleyball, rugby, football, handball, judo, etc...). Plus it's not in our culture to take some day off for some sporting events. We keep them for our strikes ;-) Go Murray.

Sarah in London, via text: It's my birthday today and it would be a brilliant present if Murray gets through to his first French Open final. Come on Murray!!

Nabil Dhala: , externalHope Andy can get the job quick! Got a maths exam to revise for!

Emily May:, external Oh. Just had a work issue, then turned back around and found it's all over! Congrats @DjokerNole! The ultimate match still ahead

Alexandre Tynemouth:, external Can't believe I'm hearing people thinking Murray can beat Rafa have they seen his record against him? let alone on clay #delusional

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Roland Garros

"Murray goes through his pre-match warm-up routine in a small corridor off Chatrier, with fitness trainer Matt Little gently throwing a few balls to either side of the Wimbledon champion to get him moving. Warming up might not be quite such an issue today; let's hope he didn't see the state of Djokovic and Gulbis coming the other way."

But the devil is in the detail.

Rafael Nadal, usually totally convincing, has given basis for doubt in this year's clay-court season. He has suffered defeats by Novak Djokovic (Rome), David Ferrer (Monte Carlo) and Nicolas Almagro (Barcelona).

Murray meanwhile been playing the best clay-court tennis of his career according to respected judges like John McEnroe.

As main courses go you might expect this to be a fast-food formality based on the history and stats.

Rafael Nadal has won all five of his previous meetings with Andy Murray on clay.

The Spanish world number one has been beaten only once in nine previous French Open campaigns.

An autograph or two is right, along with the obligatory signing of the camera lens (who started that fad? I presume the lens wipes clean?).

If Djokovic-Gulbis was the hor d'oeuvres, then we have an incredibly meaty main course, one we could still be eating long into the evening.

Mike Henson is the man about to chow down.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Roland Garros

"The first two sets were very good for me and then he started to play with fewer errors," said Djokovic.

"It was very difficult to maintain my concentration because the conditions were difficult for me, but I'm very happy to have made it into the final."

Djokovic looked like he really didn't need that post-match interview with Cedric Pioline, but he manages a smile and signs an autograph or two on his way off the court.

Novak Djokovic: "When I come here to Paris for the French Open I always have motivation to play my best tennis. It is impossible to predict what the outcome will be, but I do my best."

If the first two sets were a canter, the fourth was the final staggering steps of a marathon runner. For once, the tireless was tired, but still with more energy than his ailing opponent. Still, Novak Djokovic has dropped only two sets on the way to the French Open final. He'll be hoping Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal pummel each other in just a little while.

All over, Novak Djokovic will once again play for the French Open title. In keeping with the fatigued nature of the fourth set, it is a tired Gulbis forehand that is the final blow. Djokovic barely has the energy to celebrate, just a fist waving in the air.

Image source, AP

Djokovic sees the finish line and batters Gulbis into submission. Twice the Latvian is long for 30-0. Ernests is done, frying in the heat. Net. Three match points...

Ross Whiteside:, external The longer this lasts the better - Andy can play in cooler weather and tires Novak out for the final!

Ste Ashurst:, external Andy better not make it too stressful later. I have a table to build and house to clean which might not be the best thing

Obby:, external Gulbis to win in 5 - Andy to go 2 sets to 1 up - stop for light - refresh overnight and win first set tomorrow - perfect !