Rafael Nadal is one match away from retaining the French Open title after cruising into the final of the tournament via a 6-2 6-2 6-1 victory over David Ferrer.

While British number one Andy Murray struggled to hold off Ferrer in the quarter-final stage, Nadal had no such problem and proved why he is known as the 'king of clay' with a scintillating performance in Paris.

The number two seed started off strong in the opening set, committing powerful forehands and sweeping returns around the court, while his fellow countryman struggled to impose any sort of challenge on the 26-year-old.

Nadal managed to claim the first set with ease and continued his impressive form in the second by dominating the court and holding his serve well. Ferrer tried to make an impact but his forehand let the number six seed down on a number of occasions.

A brief halt in play occurred towards the end of the second set due to rain, which would have been a welcomed by Ferrer, who had some time to rethink his game plan.

Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, Nadal's form had not altered when the pair returned to the court and the former world number one wrapped up the second set with ease.

The third set became a formality for Nadal, who kept composed and was able to launch through the set comfortably.