Rafael Nadal beaten by Grigor Dimitrov in quarter-finals of China Open

Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the China Open by Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Dimitrov sealed his first win in eight attempts against Nadal by earning a 6-2 6-4 triumph on the hard court in Beijing on Friday.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion failed to hold a single service game in the first set, and despite breaking back twice, Dimitrov was too strong.

The Bulgarian, who is yet to win a major trophy in his career, carried his momentum into the second set as he broke Nadal at the first time of asking.

The Spaniard produced just two break points in the set, but he failed to convert them and Dimitrov wrapped up the match, which lasted just over an hour and a half.