Nadal, Thiem to face in French Open final

Rafael Nadal improved to 11-0 in French Open semifinals. To get to 11-0 in French Open finals, he’ll need to get past the only man who has beaten him on red clay over the last two seasons.

After dealing with some tight moments early, Nadal overwhelmed 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2, the rest of the way Friday.

The No. 1-ranked Nadal compiled a 35-20 edge in winners while making only 19 unforced errors Friday.

On Sunday, Nadal will face No. 7 seed Dominic Thiem, a 24-year-old Austrian who reached his first Grand Slam final by ending the surprising run of 72nd-ranked Marco Cecchinato of Italy, 7-5, 7-6 (10), 6-1.

Over the past two seasons, Nadal is 49-2 on red clay, with both losses coming against Thiem: in the quarterfinals at Rome in May 2017, and the quarterfinals at Madrid in May 2018.

Soccer

PREMIER LEAGUE TO GET WINTER BREAK » A February winter break will be introduced in the English Premier League from the 2019-20 season, the Football Association announced on Friday.

The breaks will be staggered to ensure that Premier League action still takes place on every weekend during the period, with five games on each weekend, allowing two weeks’ rest for players.

To accommodate the break, the FA Cup fifth round will be moved to midweek and there will be no replays if necessary; instead, extra time and penalties.

“This is a significant moment for English football and one that we believe will greatly benefit both club and country,” FA chief executive Martin Glenn said. The measures are being introduced only to the country’s top tier.