Novak Djokovic has reached his 30th major semi-final but his quest for a first French Open title was almost scuppered by disqualification.
The world number one, a three-time runner-up and seeking a maiden Roland Garros crown to complete the career Grand Slam, defeated Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5, 6-3, claiming a place in an eighth French Open semi-final and sixth in succession.
But the 29-year-old Serb, who will face Dominic Thiem of Austria for a spot in the final, admitted he was lucky to escape being kicked out of the tournament in the second game of the third set.
Frustrated at missing a break point, Djokovic went to smash his racquet into the ground but it slipped out of his grasp before it flew into the backwall on Philippe Chatrier Court.
Had it hit the nearby line judge, who was forced to take evasive action, Djokovic would have been disqualified.
Not surprisingly, he offered a speedy apology to chair umpire Eva Asderaki Moore and escaped with a warning for racquet abuse.
"I was lucky there," admitted Djokovic. "I apologised to the people that have been in this particular situation with me and that could have been hurt by my racquet.