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Nadal, Federer in semis
25/04/2008 18:34 - (SA)
Monte Carlo - Triple champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Roger Federer remained on course for another installment in their epic rivalry by moving into the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Friday.
Nadal, who is hoping to be the first man since 1914 to win four Monte Carlo titles in a row, saw off fifth-seeded Spanish compatriot David Ferrer 6-1 7-5 and will tackle fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko of Russia.
Nadal took his Monte Carlo record to 22 wins in 23 matches and has now won 96 of his last 97 claycourt ties.
Nadal raced through the first set against Ferrer on the back of three lightning breaks of serve before facing a determined counter-attack.
Victory on first match point
The 26-year-old, fresh from his Valencia title last weekend, stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second set before Nadal claimed one break back.
Ferrer then squandered three set points in the 10th game as Nadal levelled at 5-5 and then wasted two break points to allow his younger compatriot to sneak 6-5 ahead.
He didn't get another chance as Nadal took victory on his first match point with a trademark running forehand.
Top seed Federer fought back from a brutal first set assault to beat Argentine sixth seed David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
Federer, the runner-up to Nadal for the past two years, goes on to face either third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia or America's Sam Querrey for a place in Sunday's final.
Federer admitted he was happy to be in the semi-finals after a trying year which has seen him suffer from glandular fever and lose his Australian Open title.
'Could have served better'
"This was my best match of the tournament. I was happy with my movement and the level of play was excellent," said Federer after his ninth win in 17 career meetings with the muscular Nalbandian.
"I could have served a little better but the statistics were good. David's a great player and a wonderful ball-striker. He has great movement and anticipation.
"It's always nice to play him. You know he's not going to hand it over to you. He's won on clay this year and has played Davis Cup on the surface so to beat him is a big satisfaction."
- AFP
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