Italian Open: Rafael Nadal outplays Fabio Fognini to enter semi-final
A file photo Photograph:(AFP)
Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one.
The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.