Italian Open: Rafael Nadal Ousts Alexander Zverev To Reach Semi-final

 

Rafael Nadal is on course for his ninth title at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia having reached the semi-final by decisively taking out Alexander Zverev. He was able to end his winless run against the German after three encounters, the earliest of which was at the Madrid Open when he was beaten in the quarter-final. 

It took the world #2 over two hours to have Zverev eliminated in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 during which he saved nine out of 10 breakpoint advantages faced against the German. Qualifying for the semi-final brings the Spaniard closer to win his 36th Masters 1000 titles which in effect will tally with the record set by his Serbian rival, Novak Djokovic.

"I played a very solid match with not many mistakes," said Nadal who admitted that having to win his sixth match in the head-to-head count against Zverev comes as something "very important" against a "great" opponent. 

The 34-year-old, who has dropped only a set since the start of the competition is booked to play against Reilly Opelka in the next match and that will be his 12th semi-final appearance at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. He described the German as one with "unreturnable serve" in the tournament but promised to keep his focus during the match.