TIL Desk Sports/ Rafael Nadal set up an intriguing Madrid Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic by overcoming Belgian David Goffin 7-6(3), 6-2 in a high-quality last-eight match on Friday.
Nadal edged a bruising first set after blowing eight break points with a top-class tiebreak, playing adventurous shots which sapped Goffin’s energy and the world number 10 ceded the final point with a double fault.
The pair served up a sizzling second set, especially in the seventh game when Nadal finally broke the Belgian for a second time in the set at the fourth attempt after sensational rallies which had spectators in the Caja Magica rising to their feet in appreciation.
Saturday’s match between Djokovic and Nadal will be the 50th between the two great rivals, who have won a combined 26 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic has won 26 of their previous meetings including the last seven. Nadal last beat the world number two in the 2014 French Open final.
