Nadal, Djokovic into final four Sharapova edges Ostapenko

ROME: Rafael Nadal had to fight back from a set down to secure his place in the Italian Open semi-finals after an enthralling quarter-final contest with Italy’s own Fabio Fognini in Rome yesterday.

Novak Djokovic also lost the first set but ultimately eased past Kei Nishikori 2-6 6-1 63 in their quarter-final encounter.

Fognini, supported by a large and loud home crowd, ripped away the first set despite a strong start from Nadal but the Spanish clay court king showed true class in collecting a 4-6 6-1 6-2 victory.

The man with 16 Grand Slam titles to his name glided across his favoured surface as he covered the court with almost impenetrable defence and returned a variety of solid strokes to sprint ahead with a 4-1 advantage.

Most would have folded mentally with Nadal in this kind of early imperious form, but Fognini fired back a group of ambitious winners to break at the fourth time of asking before drawing level with the seven-time Rome champion.

Nadal was clearly rattled when the world No 21 broke again and a pulled forehand from the 10-times French Open winner saw him drop a set for the first time in Italy.

However, Nadal regained composure and surged to the second set in 33 minutes and what followed next was a sensational performance in the third.

Fognini had to have his knee taped while trailing by a break at 2-3, and Nadal wore his Italian opponent down in gruelling exchanges to book his place in Rome’s final four for the 10th time in his career.

Maria Sharapova stepped up her French Open preparations with a battling 6-7 6-4 7-5 win over reigning Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Sharapova produced one of her best performances of the season to overcome her Latvian opponent in a gripping contest lasting three hours and 10 minutes.

Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit knocked out world No 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 6-1 to record her second consecutive win over a top-10 opponent.

The world No 26 set up a semi-final battle with defending champion Elina Svitolina, who defeated former world No 1 Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-4. – Reuters & DPA