Novak Djokovic to meet Rafael Nadal in Monte Carlo semi-final

World number one Djokovic won the first eight games against US Open champion Cilic, whose first mark on the scoreboard was greeted by an ironic celebration from the Croat.

There was little else for Cilic to cheer as Djokovic comfortably wrapped up the contest in an hour and five minutes to extend his winning streak to 15 matches after completing an Indian Wells-Miami Masters sweep in March.

Djokovic has lost only twice all season and is hoping to become the first player to win the first three Masters titles of the year.

Standing in his way in the semi-finals is the familiar face of Nadal, whose form habitually bucks up when the hardcourts give way to Europe's red dust.

The world number five and third seed came through against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 6-4 5-7 6-2, eventually suppressing his tireless compatriot after two hours and 44 minutes of typically attritional combat.

Saturday's semi-final, a 43rd meeting between Nadal and Djokovic, will reignite one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of tennis and the winner will be an overwhelming favourite to take the title.

Djokovic, the 2013 Monte Carlo champion, and Nadal, winner from 2005-2012, are familiar foes with the Spaniard holding a 23-19 lead in the head-to-head battle and an even more emphatic 14-4 advantage on clay, where he remains an indomitable force.

"I (have) got to prepare myself mentally for that," said Djokovic. "Other than the mental part, I think physically I'm ready. I'm not exhausted. I haven't spent too much time on the court. Also, I'm feeling the ball really well.

"Hopefully, I can perform well. I know that I'm going to need to keep the high level of performance throughout the entire match tomorrow."

The last time they met was in last year's French Open final where Nadal snapped a four-match losing streak against Djokovic to claim his ninth Roland Garros title.

“It's probably the biggest clay court challenge you can have, playing against Nadal or Ferrer," said Djokovic. "Both of these guys have had so much success on this surface, especially Rafa, this tournament in particular. "

Having already won two ATP 1000 events and the Australian Open in 2015, Djokovic is threatening to dominate the game in a way that Roger Federer once did.

It is the Serbian's best start since 2011 and bookmakers even have him as the favourite to win the French Open, above nine-time champion Rafa Nadal.

Nadal was stunned in the second set as Valencia's Ferrer won three straight games from 5-4 behind to leave the match at 1-1, but Nadal broke his opponent at the outset of the third set before another break in the seventh game sealed Nadal's 23rd win over Ferrer in 29 meetings.

Gael Monfils will meet Tomas Berdych in Saturday's other semi-final. Monfils completed a 6-1 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov while Berdych progressed after his opponent Milos Raonic was forced to retire with a foot injury trailing 5-2 in the opening set.

3-Rafa Nadal (Spain) beat 5-David Ferrer (Spain) 6-4 5-7 6-2

1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 8-Marin Cilic (Croatia) 6-0 6-3

14-Gael Monfils (France) beat 9-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 6-1 6-3

6-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat 4-Milos Raonic (Canada) 5-2 (Raonic retired)