Andy Murray sets up clash with Djokovic in French Open final

Wawrinka was on a 12-match winning streak at Roland Garros, having overpowered Novak Djokovic in the final 12 months ago, but he had no answer to the brilliance of Murray.

Murray dominated the opening two sets, then weathered a Wawrinka fightback to win 6-4 6-2 4-6 6-2 in two hours and 35 minutes.

The world number two will now attempt to emulate Wawrinka’s achievement from last year when he takes on Djokovic on Sunday.

Having followed in the footsteps of Britain’s 1937 runner-up Bunny Austin by winning his first French Open semi-final at the fourth attempt, Murray will hope to once again succeed Fred Perry, the last British man to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires in 1935.

The 29-year-old raised a fist aloft after hitting the match-winning volley, and said with his voice cracking: “I knew if I was going to win, I was going to have to play one of my best clay-court matches.

“Stan has been unbelievable the last two years. I’ve played one of my best matches today and I’m looking forward to the final.

“I’m extremely proud. I never expected to reach the final here. I’d always struggled on the clay. I hope I can put on a good match for all of the crowd on Sunday.”