Rafael Nadal overcomes David Ferrer in Rome Masters quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal has overcome fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in three sets to book his place in the semi-finals of the Rome Masters.

The defending champion needed just one break of serve to take the opening set 6-4, but Ferrer dug in to clinch the second 6-4 as both players struggled to hold.

However, Nadal was superior in the decider and he stretched his winning streak against Ferrer to eight consecutive games by closing out the contest 6-2.

Nadal will now face Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals after the Czech stunned world number one Novak Djokovic.