By Daily Sports on May 19, 2018

Novak Djokovic set up an Italian Open semifinal blockbuster against old rival Rafael Nadal after both former world No 1 players battled back in thrilling last-eight clashes on Friday.

The Serb fought back against Kei Nishikori to earn a 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 win while top seed Nadal continued his clay court domination with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

Djokovic, seeded 11th after his elbow injury problems, beat Japan’s top player for the 12th time in succession.

“It was a fantastic match, we went toe-to-toe all the way to last shot. He started, he was flawless from both ends,” said Djokovic who will face Nadal for the 51st time, holding a narrow 26-24 advantage.

Nadal beat Djokovic in their last meeting in May in 2017 in a Madrid semifinal and the Serb will be out for revenge after winning seven in a row prior to that.

“We will see tomorrow. I’ve not played so many matches in the last six months,” said Djokovic whose last semifinal spot was in Eastbourne on the eve of Wimbledon in 2017.

“Physically, I’m OK. I just need some rest now and then go out and give it everything I’ve got.”

Second-ranked Nadal needs to lift an eighth career title at the Foro Italico on Sunday to return to the top of the rankings after losing that position to Roger Federer last week.

Nadal dropped the opening set to Fognini in an hour but regrouped effortlessly as he swept past the Italian in the one-sided second and third sets.

“I’m not used to playing so early,” Nadal said of his midday start. “But I’m very happy to be in the semifinals.

“This was a very important win for me today.”

Nadal also beat Fognini in Rome in 2013 in their first ever meeting. This was his 11th victory in 14 meetings with the 21st-ranked Italian, and sixth in a row.

Nadal is working towards Roland Garros, where he will aim for an unprecedented 11th title.

“My clay court season has been, I think, fantastic. It will be much better if I finish here with another title,” added the 16-time Grand Slam winner.

It was the first time in four years that Nadal managed to win his quarterfinal tie in Rome.

Marin Cilic beat Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Rome semifinals for the first time. (SuperSport.com)

•Photo courtesy of The Express (UK) shows a full house of Italian Open spectators

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 19, 2018

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