Madrid (AFP) – Rafael Nadal set up a semi-final meeting with Andy Murray at the Madrid Masters after overcoming stiff resistance from Portugal’s Joao Sousa to win 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 on Friday.
Nadal dominated the opening set for the loss of just 10 points, but struggled after the roof was closed due to rain midway through the second set.
However, a Sousa double fault handed the 14-time Grand Slam champion the solitary break of serve he needed in the eighth game of the decider before serving out to seal victory.
Nadal is looking for a record 50th clay-court title after wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona in recent weeks, but lost for the only time in his career to Murray on clay in last year’s final in Madrid.
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