Rafael Nadal Dips Deep to Reach Rome Semifinals

Rome Masters Series 1000 - Men's Quarterfinal

5 Rafael Nadal d 4 David Ferrer - 64 46 62

That photo says one thing and one thing only: RELIEF.

Rafa'll play his 8th Sf at Rome: 7-0. In fact he's only had 2 losses at Rome.

If memory serves I think a commentator said Rafa's never lost a Sf on clay.

Today's win moves him to #1 on the Race to London rankings.

That's stunning considering he didn't play the Australian Open.

Spare a thought for Ferrer - the guy has suffered 3 losses to Rafa this year.

And these last 2 were oh-so close. And to add insult-to-injury...

A title at Rome will move Rafa ahead of David to #4 in the rankings.

Seriously, who saw any of this coming?