Rafael Nadal survived a tough test from Jan-Lennard Struff after a 7-5 7-5 win meant his hopes of a 12th Barcelona title were still alive.
It was a battle for the 11-time champion but a few moments of world-class tennis saw him edge out the powerful German in straight sets.
Three breaks of serve were enough for Nadal as he remains on course for a historic 12th Barcelona title after reaching the semi-finals.
Next up for the king of clay will be Dominic Thiem or Guido Pella.
The world number two began the match with great intensity as he got a fast start against the tough German. Some good forehands earning him the early break at 3-1.
However the German wasn’t out of the match as he looked to dictate with his backhand and caused a lot of problems to Nadal all afternoon. A quick break back saw Struff back into the match.
It was turning into a tough tussle as both men were playing some really good tennis as Struff tried to disrupt his opponents rhythm with some powerful shots.
Eventually though the Spaniard struck when it matters most and a break to love sealed the opening set in 50 minutes.
The second set saw the German play even more aggressively in the first as he was prepared to make risks in order to get the success he needed.
There were a couple of chances for Nadal in the eighth game but Struff once again applied the pressure to save those and hold effectively.
But those who wait get their rewards and a stunning down the line forehand sealed a third break of the match and the win that took him to the last four.
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It was a tough match for the Spaniard but a rewarding win after Struff’s good win over Tsitsipas in the last round. A performance he can take into the weekend, that gives him confidence of winning a 12th Barcelona title.
A tough semi-final awaits tomorrow as he will face Dominic Thiem or Guido Pella.
