(AP) – Rafael Nadal booked a semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open after a comfortable last-eight win over David Goffin on Friday.
Rafa took just under two hours to see off the Belgian 7-6(3), 6-2 and move closer to a third straight title after wins in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
But if he is to progress Rafa must get the better of Djokovic, who eased into the semi-finals after scheduled opponent Kei Nishikori withdrew with a wrist injury.
Our champ claimed the first break in the second game of the second set and maintained his recent momentum to earn what was ultimately a comfortable win.
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his match against David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after beating David Goffin of Belguim during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain (May 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating David Goffin of Belgium during day seven of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (May 11, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating David Goffin of Belgium during day seven of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis at La Caja Magica on May 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (May 11, 2017 – Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
After the match, Rafa said:
It was a beautiful game, we both played at the very highest level and there were great points for everyone to see.
He (Goffin) demands the most of you, he’s one of the best in the world, one of the candidates to win the most important trophies.
I knew I was playing well in the first set but I just couldn’t take my chances. Winning is very important but also the way I’m playing at the moment makes me very relaxed.
Source: AP
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Another one has bitten the clay [dust]. GREAT GOING CHAMP!
RAFA ROCKS
Yes, truly an amazing match as David is a very tough competitor yet Rafa never lost his nerve and his serve has vastly improved this year. Put on your game face and be aggressive and win against Novak, you can and will do it. Every single match recently you have the steely determination and positivity which exudes confidence. I like all the comments made so far, all heartily meant . Vamos for later on today. 🎾👍💪🇧🇴🇧🇴
Let’s go Rafa let’s go 💪🏻🇪🇸 VAMOS RAFA VAMOS 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻😍😍😍😍🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🇪🇸🇪🇸
Vamossssssssssss Rafa you can do it,playing so good ,this is your year for sure .vamossssssssssssssss the King on Clay.🎾🎾🎾👍🌹👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃🖥
Good luck Rafa
You are a legend
A champion
Go Rafa💙💛❤💜💚
love you Rafa – you are the best ever – keep it going – love you
What a great match! This was Rafas best match for years. Now take rest and than it’s time to kick Novak again. YOU CAN DO IT. Vamos Rafa <3
Fantastic win over worthy opponent😜Amazing shots from both players-stay tough.💪❣️
Vamos RAfa eres genial