体坛英语新闻：Nadal, Ferrer to clash in French Open final

PARIS, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time winner Rafael Nadal poised to create some Grand Slam history when he meets Spanish compatriot David Ferrer in the French Open final on Sunday.

Nadal will be bidding to become the first man to win the same major eight times while 31-year-old Ferrer will be appearing in his first Grand Slam final.

Third seed Nadal Friday outlasted world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 9-7 in a titanic semi-final afrer four hours and 37 minutes.

Fourth-seeded Ferrer ended French hopes of a first champion in 30 years by sweeping past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 to set up the first all-Spanish final since 2002 when Albert Costa defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The head-to-head record between the two Spaniard looks favorable for Nadal who beat Ferrer 19 times in their 23 meetings.