Nadal survives tough quarter-final to set up a semi showdown with Roddick

13 April 2012

Rafael Nadal survived a barrage of aces from Croatia's Ivo Karlovic to book his place in the semi-finals of the Artois Championships today.

Karlovic hammered down 35 aces and just one double fault but Nadal dug deep to win 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/4) on centre court at Queen's Club.

Pumped up: Rafael Nadal celebrates his quarter-final win

The French Open champion will face defending champion Andy Roddick in the semi-finals after the American's quarter-final opponent, British number one Andy Murray, withdrew with a thumb injury sustained yesterday.

"It was an amazing match, especially on fast surfaces Karlovic is very, very tough," Nadal said. "Today I think I played very well, especially in the second and third set.

"I'm very happy to be in my first semi-final at Queen's. This is my best result before Wimbledon, my first semi-final and this tournament is very, very important to me.

"Roddick is another big, big server so I will go on court and try my best."

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