PARIS — The ease with which Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic swept aside their quarterfinal opponents at the French Open was remarkably similar.

Both men won in straight sets Wednesday, hardly challenged. Both earned 12 break points, Nadal converting seven, Djokovic five. Nadal’s serve was broken only once, Djokovic’s twice.

In what amounted to heavy-duty practice sessions for the real test that lies ahead, Nadal needed 1 hour, 56 minutes to beat No. 9-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in Court Philippe Chatrier, while a short walk away, Djokovic’s 6-3, 7-6 (5), 7-5 victory over No. 12 Tommy Haas in Court Suzanne Lenglen lasted just 17 minutes longer.

Now comes the showdown everyone’s been anticipating since the field was set nearly two weeks ago: A Djokovic vs. Nadal semifinal Friday that will have the feel of a final, and not only because they met for the championship at Roland Garros a year ago.

“A lot of people in the tennis world are looking to the matchup coming up with Rafa and Novak,” said Haas, who at 35 was the oldest French Open quarterfinalist since 1971. “I’ll definitely be watching.”

Who wouldn’t?

Djokovic, ranked and seeded No. 1, against Nadal, owner of a record seven French Open titles, including three in a row.

Djokovic, trying to become the eighth man to complete a career Grand Slam, against Nadal, trying to become the only man to win eight trophies at one major tournament.

Djokovic owns six major titles, Nadal 11.

“I would prefer an easier opponent,” Nadal said.

Djokovic is 33-4 this season and reached his 12th consecutive major semifinal, the second-longest streak in history.

Nadal is 41-2 since returning in February after missing seven months because of a left knee injury he declined to discuss Wednesday.

That absence is why Nadal’s ranking slid and he was seeded No. 3, so was drawn to play Djokovic in the semifinals; their previous 11 matchups came in tournament finals.

“He never gives up. I mean, that’s an impressive virtue that he has. Over the years, he’s been so consistent and so dominant, on this surface especially,” Djokovic said. “He’s struggled with injuries, came back, and lost only a few matches since he came back. You’ve got to respect that.”

It’s all enough to render Friday’s other semifinal something of an afterthought, even if local fans have a rooting interest when No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France faces No. 4 David Ferrer of Spain. Tsonga, who beat Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, wants to give France its first male champion at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah 30 years ago.