Although sport can be a little dull at times, the big names defeat the lesser known and finals feature the same names year in year out, it is these matches which the general public really get excited about.
This years French Open semi-finals could well be on course to witness an epic showdown between second seed Rafael Nadal and third seed Novak Djokovic. The pair both enjoyed comfortable victories in their last 16 encounters, Nadal defeated 22nd seed Fernando Verdasco in a battle of two powerful left-handers whereas Djokovic overcame Paul-Henri Mathieu on home soil [clay].
Nadal went into his match against Verdasco with a clean record against his fellow Spaniard showing 5-0 - and although, granted Verdasco himself had already claimed before the tournament that it was unlikely he would even make the French - it was clear to see from the outset why Nadal was unbeaten against his Countryman.
Verdasco didn't have anything in his game against Rafa and struggled to prove himself in the opening set, going down 6-1 and sporting a rather glum look on his face as the pair changed sides at the end of the set.
If Verdasco thought that the second set was going to be his time to shine he couldn't have been more wrong.
This time out Nadal whitewashed his opponent, missing just a handful of shots throughout the match, using his whipped forehand to great effect causing problems for Verdasco on and off serve and when the underdog called for the trainer as the set drew to a close the air of inevitability became increasingly apparent.
Verdasco dusted himself down and although never coming close to pulling off one of the great turn-arounds at Roland Garros, the third set was arguably his best. Even still though Nadal grew in confidence showing once again why he really is the 'King of Clay', hitting winner after winner and Verdasco couldn't find any sort of breakthrough as Nadal broke twice in the set taking the match 6-1 6-0 6-2.
Djokovic's victory over Mathieu was not quite as emphatic yet his performance was just as impressive. After taking the first set 6-4 the Serbian produced a fine second set displaying shots of pure brilliance which have catapulted him to the Australian Open's summit and number three in the ATP World rankings.
In particular Novak's serve was a highlight of the encounter. The match - on paper - was set to be a difficult affair against a Parisian favourite in Mathieu but Djokovic's serve and range of shot selection brought about a rather comfortable victory and the 21-year-old told of his delight at the extent to which his serving is quickly becoming a weapon in his armoury.
The youngster said that if he can rely on his serve to get him through matches then he can concentrate on the finer details in his game such as playing smart tennis and mixing his shots, something which he must do if he is to meet Nadal in Paris but after a performance like this you would bet on a French Open semi-final meeting between the pair.

Nadal must now face Andy Murray's conquerer Nicolas Almagro in another battle of the Spaniards whereas Djokovic will take on 19-year old Ernest Gulbis, the only Latvian to ever play in a Grand Slam event. If both Nadal and Djokovic claim victory in the quarters, for sports purists it may be another predictable semi-final but let's face it, it's the one we all want to see.