Nadal, Serena reach Italian Open semis

Rome Masters results Men Djokovic bt Tsonga 7-5, 6-1 Federer bt Ferrero 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 Tsonga bt Del Potro 6-4, 6-1

Friday, May 18, 2012

Rome Masters results MenDjokovic bt Tsonga 7-5, 6-1Federer bt Ferrero 6-2, 5-7, 6-1Tsonga bt Del Potro 6-4, 6-1Women Sharapova bt Williams 6-4, 6-3ROME (AP) Down to No. 3 in the rankings this week, Rafael Nadal showed he’s still a major threat on clay with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Tomas Berdych on Friday to reach the Italian Open semifinals.Berdych was coming off a runner-up performance at the Madrid Open. He lost to Roger Federer, who then replaced Nadal at No. 2.Nadal broke in the opening game to take control of the first set. He recovered a break midway through the second before pulling ahead for good in his quest to win the French Open warm-up event in Italy for a record sixth time. Nadal’s semifinal opponent will be sixth-seeded David Ferrer, who beat Richard Gasquet 7-6 (4), 6-3.In women’s play, Serena Williams reached the last four after Flavia Pennetta retired with a right wrist problem while trailing 4-0 in the first set. Williams’ winning streak is up to 17 matches following titles in Charleston, S.C. and Madrid. She also has two victories in Fed Cup.‘’For me it was good because I have played every day and I haven’t had a day off,’’ said Williams, who won Italy’s clay-court tournament 10 years ago. ‘’I hope she is feeling better.’’Williams’ next opponent will be French Open champion Li Na, who eliminated No. 14 Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 7-6 (4).