Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on Saturday set up their third Monte Carlo Masters final meeting, with the Serb top seed the last obstacle to the Spaniard's pursuit of a ninth title. Nadal is one win away from a record triumph at the Mediterranean venue and has already defeated world number one Djokovic in the tournament in 2009 and in 2012. Djokovic had a stress-free semi-final win over Italian Fabio Fognini, crushing the outsider 6-2, 6-1 in 52 minutes.

Top seed Novak Djokovic passed another test on his suspect right ankle when he posted a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over Juan Monaco to join eight-time champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic will next take on Finn Jarkko Nieminen who spent two and a half hours in knocking out Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) to reach only his third clay quarter-final since 2006.

Top three seeds Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal all made winning starts at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday. World number one Djokovic said he was pleased to have passed a huge test on his injured right ankle following a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 defeat of Russian Mikhail Youzhny. Djokovic admitted that at one point in the second set he felt some pain but played through it successfully, thanks in part to his heavy strappings.

By Gregory Blachier MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic's gamble on his injured ankle at the Monte Carlo Masters appeared to be backfiring before he dug in to battle past Russian Mikhail Youzhny 4-6 6-1 6-4 in the second round on Wednesday. While Djokovic grimaced and growled through the pain barrier to fight back from 0-4 down in the opening set, Rafa Nadal was all smiles after launching his bid for a ninth consecutive Monte Carlo crown with a ruthless 6-1 6-2 win over Australian Marinko Matosevic.