(UTV|COLOMBO) – World number one Novak Djokovic had to save two match points against Juan Martin del Potro before advancing to the Italian Open semi-finals.
The Serb, 31, will play Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman on Saturday after beating his compatriot Del Potro 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 in Rome.
Earlier, defending champion and eight-time winner Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-0.
Nadal came from 2-0 down to reach the semi-finals in one hour 38 minutes.
The 32-year-old, who has lost in the semi-finals of his past four tournaments, next faces 20-year-old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, who went through following the withdrawal of Roger Federer.
World number three Federer, a four-time finalist in the Italian capital, was unable to compete because of a right leg injury.
The Swiss, 37, was playing the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 and saved two match points to defeat Borna Coric 2-6 6-4 7-6 (9-7) on Thursday, having beaten Joao Sousa in straight sets earlier in the day.
“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today,” said the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
“I am not 100% physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.
“Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year.”
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