Defending Rome Masters champion Rafael Nadal is still on course to reach his eighth final out of eight tournaments this season with a resounding quarterfinal victory against compatriot David Ferrer at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2013. Nadal is aiming to win his seventh title at this ATP Masters 1000 event.
Knowing that this will be another tough match, Nadal showed his prowess against a fellow claycourt specialist and prevailed after three tough sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The duo also clashed at the Mutua Madrid Open a week ago with Ferrer almost winning that match as well.
“I played a great match against a difficult opponent. In the worst moment in the third set, I played my best tennis and I am happy,” said Nadal. “He is a fantastic player and a big example for the kids [on being] positive, fighting and correct on the court… This victory for me is very special.”
Nadal can still be seeded fourth at the Roland Garros tournament should he win this event. With Ferrer losing in the quarterfinals, Nadal can accumulate enough ranking points to elevate his seeding at the French Open. Anything less than a title win would mean that he’ll be seeded fifth.
Nadal will next face Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in the semifinals.
