Milos Raonic overcomes Jeremy Chardy to reach Italian Open semi-finals

Milos Raonic has recorded a three-set triumph over Jeremy Chardy to reach the last four of the Italian Open.

The Canadian, who has defeated Simone Bolelli and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the last eight, prevailed by a 6-3 5-7 6-2 scoreline to set up a showdown with either David Ferrer or Novak Djokovic.

Raonic sent down eight aces during the opening set, and one break of serve was enough to move into the lead against the Frenchman.

The second set appeared to be heading a similar way before Chardy broke twice in three Raonic service games to take the match to a decider.

However, Raonic quickly rediscovered his earlier good form and the 23-year-old dropped just one point on serve during the final set to earn his spot in tomorrow's semi-finals.