But a hip operation in 2002 has hampered his form since and caused him to lose his status as a king of the clay courts.

Nalbandian, who is the third Argentinian to book his ticket to the semis after Guillermo Coria and Gaston Gaudio, disposed of him 6-2 3-6 6-4 7-6 (8-6) in just over three hours, saving four set points against him in the fourth set.

Nalbandian snatched the first set with an ace after 40 minutes of play before Kuerten fought back in the second with some of his best shots to level the match at one set all.

In the third, the Brazilian then battled back from a 4-1 deficit to level 4-4, but Nalbandian held his nerve and won his game before taking advantage of Kuerten’s fall on the red clay to claim a 6-4 win.

Kuerten once again fought back and took control of the fourth set with a 3-1 advantage.

He later had a set point but his wide forehand cancelled it out before Nalbandian came back 5-4.

Serving for the fourth set the Brazilian got another two set points, which Nalbandian again saved with clinical shots.

The Argentinian then got a break point and Kuerten’s wide forehand allowed Nalbandian to level 5-5.

But a double fault and a netted forehand from the Argentinian gave ’Guga’ another two opportunities to break his opponent, which he did to take a 6-5 lead, with his serve to come.

But Kuerten lost his serve again, dragging the fourth set into a tie break.

Despite leading 5-2 the Brazilian failed to hold on to his advantage and let Nalbandian level 5-5.

Kuerten missed another set point while Nalbandian sealed the match on his first opportunity when Guga’s shot landed wide.

Kuerten said after his loss: “It was a tough time for me but I am surprised at my performance at Roland Garros this year.

“Nalbandian made me run a lot today. I suffered, but the crowd’s support gave me the strength to fight, although it was not enough.”

Nalbandian will next face unseeded compatriot Gaudio, who easily disposed of former world number one and current 12th seed Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Gaudio, 25, believes his chances to reach the final and win the French trophy will be small though as he considers himself inexperienced player compared to Tim Henman, Guillermo Coria, and Nalbandian.

“This has always been a child’s dream to win Roland Garros. Everything is possible, although the other players are very good,” Gaudio said.

“It’s going to be a difficult battle for me.

“The other players are the Galacticos,” he added referring to the football team Real Madrid.

“Me, I am the Valencia team.

“They are excellent players. They are all in the top 10. They certainly have a great talent. Their level is better than mine.”

Hewitt did not agree with Gaudio as he branded the Argentinian to be almost as good as his compatriot Coria, while insisting Gaudio was far better than him in their quarter final.

“Gaudio was too good,” Hewitt said.

“He is definitely a class player on that surface. Coria is the best on clay at the moment but Gaudio is according to me the closest behind.”

Hewitt failed to display his skills throughout the match against an inspired Gaudio who dominated thanks to his outstanding shots.

“Gaudio’s strong defence prevented me from getting any chance to attack him,” Hewitt added.

“I tried hanging in there and tried a few things but it did not work.

“He was very confident and his movements are too good on that surface.”