Rafael Nadal sees off Bernard Tomic in Stuttgart

Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the semi-finals of the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart with a three-set victory over Bernard Tomic.

After suffering defeat to Novak Djokovic in the last eight at Roland Garros, the Spaniard is looking to find some form ahead of Wimbledon, and he recorded a second win in the space of two days after holding off a fightback from Tomic.

One break of serve was enough for Nadal to take the opening set, but the pair traded breaks during the second before Tomic prevailed during a tie-break.

Nadal improved during the third to quickly establish an advantage, and although his Australian opponent threatened a comeback midway through the decider, he couldn't break back as Nadal ran out a 6-4 6-7 6-3 winner.

The 29-year-old will play France's Gael Monfils in the last four.