PARIS, France (AFP) — Novak Djokovic faces young gun Dominic Thiem in the French Open semi-finals today, while Andy Murray tackles defending champion Stan Wawrinka looking to become the first British man in the final for 79 years.

World number one Djokovic, a three-time runner-up, is still seeking a maiden Roland Garros crown to secure a career Grand Slam.

The 29-year-old top seed, who already holds the Wimbledon, US and Australian Open titles, will start as overwhelming favourite.

He has defeated Thiem in straight sets in their only two career meetings.

Djokovic will be playing in his 30th Grand Slam semi-final and eighth in Paris.

Austrian 13th seed Thiem is into his first at the majors, as he finally realises the potential which was spotted during his days when he used to lift tree-trunks to beef up his physique.

“I’m sure he’s very motivated to show himself and others that he deserves to be at the top and compete for the biggest titles,” said Djokovic.

Thiem is one of a generation of players long-tipped to succeed the likes of Djokovic, Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic won the first of his 11 majors at Australia in 2008 as a 20-year-old. Thiem, 22, has yet to make the breakthrough to a final at the Slams.

But he is one of the in-form players in 2016 with his 41 match wins second only to Djokovic’s 42.

He also has a season-best 25 wins on clay, a run which included a victory over Federer in Rome and the title in Nice.

“It’s going to be unbelievably tough against Novak,” said Thiem.

Murray also has history on his mind as he aims to be the first British man since Bunny Austin in 1937 to reach the final.

The world number two is in the habit of shrugging off the weight of expectations with his 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon triumphs.

“I think at this stage of my career, to do things that I have never done before is nice,” said three-time semi-finalist Murray, who is two matches away from becoming the first British man to win in Paris since Fred Perry in 1935.