MX23RW : Friday, December 13 10:28:19| >> :600:226193026:226193026:

Rafael Nadal battles past Grigor Dimitrov to reach Shanghai Masters semi-finals

World number one Rafael Nadal reaches the Shanghai Masters semi-finals with a three-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov.

Rafael Nadal has registered a three-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

The world number one has not suffered defeat on the ATP Tour since before the US Open, and that run has been extended with a 6-4 6-7 6-3 win over Dimitrov.

Nadal required just one break of serve to claim the opening set, but Dimitrov showed resistance throughout the contest and deserved to take the left-hander to a tie-break in the second.

Dimitrov managed to stay with his opponent before taking it 7-4, but despite the Bulgarian having the momentum ahead of the third, Nadal was soon able to wrest back the initiative.

The French and US Open champion took his one and only opportunity to break and that proved to be enough to eventually seal his progress in two hours and 32 minutes.

Nadal will now face Marin Cilic in the last four after the Croatian got the better of Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

ID:309452: cacheID:309452:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2025:
Written by
Darren Plant
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Nick Kyrgios in action at the French Open on May 27, 2016
Read Next:
Kyrgios blames Shanghai forfeit on stomach bug
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!