Rafael Nadal progressed to the semi-finals of the clay-court Rio Open without playing after Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine pulled out of their quarter-final with a right shoulder injury.

Our champ will face Pablo Cuevas or Federico Delbonis in Saturday’s semifinals at a time yet to be confirmed.
YES WE ARE ALL BEHIND YOU RAFA, NOW USE THIS TIME TO REST UP AND BREATH . VAMOOS FOR SIMI XXX
Animo Rafa siempre contigo
Sorry for Alexander. He has health problems. . Babs is correct in saying Rafa seems to have to battle for all his advances. This was a gift let’s not waste it.
Really hopping for a win. Best always !
Afortunado que no tuviste que jugar con Alex Dolgopolov, siempre difícil rival.
Rafa te veo jugando bien, excepto, en los momentos cruciales parece que te pones nervioso y abres la puerta a tus rivales. Mejora tu segundo saque y entra en la red que eres muy bueno con la volea. Sed mas agresivo en los momentos claves.
Suerte y siempre contigo.
Carpe diem. Good luck in next round-fight on👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I never root for injuries, but this was really lucky for Rafa. With the rain delay, he could have been playing at midnight or even tomorrow. Hopefully he will be well rested and play his best.
Yes, I agree, we never ever wish any injury on anybody…. and Dogopolov happens to be one of the nicest players, always cordial on court & respective to his opponents. He is naturally talented & with a creative & original game…. Unfortunately as we know, Dogopolov played a long singles & a doubles match yesterday & so it is tough on his body…… However, REGARDLESS these circumstances, the magnificent way Rafa has been advancing with his solid aggressive game, I think it is safe to assume that even if Dogopolov was fresh & energized, Rafa would have taken him in 2 sets ! ! : ) : )
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a beautiful night & fabulous SEMI FINAL – for sure it will be a FANTASTIC GREAT MATCH FOR YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Very happy for you sweetheart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Good night & sweet dreams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
All the best to Dolgopolov. Hopefully it’s not to serious.
Good luck for the semi-final. Vamos Rafa!!!
Just delighted, not often Raffa gets a leg up, normally he gets the hardest draw
Good luck we are all behind you