Rafael Nadal survives scare against Pablo Cuevas to progress at Rio Open

Rafael Nadal has progressed to the semi-finals of the Rio Open after a three-sets win over Pablo Cuevas.

The Spanish left-hander, who is attempting to defend his title in Brazil, dropped the first set to the world number 23 as a major shock appeared to be on the cards.

However, Nadal struck back towards the end of the second set before racing through the decider to record a 4-6 7-5 6-0 victory.

The world number three will now play Italy's Fabio Fognini for a place in Sunday's final.