Rafael Nadal's Keys to Equaling All-Time French Open Title Record

Rafael Nadal already holds the French Open record for titles during the Open era of tennis. His seventh Roland Garros championship in 2012 put him in the driver's seat of that distinguished list, surpassing Swede Björn Borg, who has six crowns.

After Borg, no one is even close. Three are tied with three titles apiece, but none is currently active on the court.

While Nadal holds the Open era record, one distinguished French honor still escapes the Spanish king of clay—the French Open men’s all-time tournament title record.

Frenchman Max Decugis retains that sole honor after winning eight titles during the early 1900's.

Will Rafa be able to continue his dominance at Roland Garros and deny world No. 1 Novak Djokovic his quest for a career Grand Slam when they meet in their French Open men's semifinal on Friday, May 7?

Djoker scored the latest victory between the two on clay at Monte Carlo and has won three of their last six contests on the surface. Overall, however, Nadal holds the series lead with a 19-15 advantage in a rivalry that has become one of the best in sports.

In order to avenge his defeat to Djokovic earlier this year, Nadal is going to have to be in top form to knock off Djokovic.

Here are some of the things Nadal must do in order to reach the French Open men's finals for a chance to tie Decugis's eight French Open titles.

Come out of the Gate Firing

Slow starts during inclement weather earlier at Roland Garros prompted some concerns about Nadal’s focus and his ability to capture another French Open crown. However, he survived and weather conditions have improved. Nadal has seemingly regained focus in his previous matches leading up to this heated matchup.

Starting out hot by winning the first set will also be crucial for the king of clay. Nadal is 11-0 against Djokovic on clay after winning the first set. He has gotten the better of Djoker just once after dropping an opener.

Stick to the Game plan

It’s hard to imagine Nadal losing if he uses his imposing forehand effectively over the course of a potential five-setter.

Djokovic has proven to be able to battle with his double-handed backhand, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can do so for five sets on clay, which is Nadal’s best surface.

This match is going to be a defensive test of wills, as we have seen when the two have battled in the past. Sticking to his strengths must be Nadal’s sole focus. Championships are won by inches, and executing one’s strengths to perfection is what wins above all else.

Ride the Emotional Rollercoaster

Winning the French Open means the world to Nadal. After dropping his last finals match to Djokovic, it means even more to the Spanish giant.

Things haven’t gone completely smooth for Nadal leading up to his semifinal date. Earlier in the tournament Rafa complained about questionable scheduling in the midst of rain-induced delays.

He used that emotion to easily breeze past his competition in the following rounds to punch his ticket to the semis. If he can harness that fire and desire and apply it to his game plan, there is no stopping the seven-time French Open champ.