Defending champion Rafael Nadal overcame a slow start to battle past Fabio Fognini 2-6 6-1 6-2 reaching the semifinal at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
Fognini, who beat Nadal in five sets at the 2015 US Open, earned his first break in the third game after a loose forehand error from Nadal. Fognini went up a double break at 3-1 and sealed the first set 6-2 in the ninth game with four winners.
Three-time Rogers Cup champion Nadal bounced back by breaking serve at love in the second game of the second set after a double fault from Fognini. The Spanish legend fended off a break point in the fifth game to stay in front and closed out the second set with two service winners at 5-1 to force the match to the third set.
Nadal earned the first break in the first game of the third set with a backhand error from Fognini. Fognini received treatment on his foot during the 2-1 changeover in the third set. He went up a double break to open up a 4-1 lead after a forehand error from Fognini and closed out the match with a hold at 15 in the eighth game.
Nadal reaches the semifinal in Montreal for the first time since clinching the trophy here in 2013. He will face either his compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut or Gael Monfils. The match was suspended on Friday due to rain and will resume after two points.
“It was an up and down match, but it was a positive match for me. I have been playing better and better. Fognini is one of the big talents on Tour. It’s true that during his career had some ups and downs. When he is playing well, these kind of players that can produce shots from everywhere. He is a big opponent for everyone”, said Nadal.