ROME – Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer booked their places in the semi-final draw for the Italian Open on Friday, along with Spaniard David Ferrer. Stanislas Wawrinka also qualified for the last four, beating the “King of Clay” Rafael Nadal in the last eight.

 Despite enjoying the luxury of three set points in the opening tiebreak, Nadal succumbed to his Swiss opponent 7-6, 6-2 and continues a comparatively miserable run of form which has seen him fail to net a title ahead of Roland Garros for the first time in a decade. The Spaniard has failed to get back to his best following injury and needs to quickly produce his best tennis if he wants to win his 10^th title at Roland Garros.

 Elsewhere in the draw crowd favourite Tomas Berdych failed to summon the sort of form that could challenge Roger Federer in the last eight, and eventually lost 6-3, 6-3. The Swiss will face his fellow countryman Wawrinka in the semi-final and Serbian favourite Novak Djokovic will face David Ferrer after beating Kei Nishikori in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-1).

 Ferrer progressed to the semi-finals following a win over Belgian David Goffin but could well have been facing Andy Murray, had the Briton not pulled out due to fatigue related reasons. Ferrer swept aside Goffin to win the first set however his opponent rallied and took the second 6-4. In the end however, Ferrer’s greater experience of pressure situations was telling and the Spaniard prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to book his place against Djokovic on Saturday.

 In the women’s draw, perennial favourite Maria Sharapova advanced to the semi-finals with a crushing 6-3, 6-2 victory over rival Victoria Azarenka. Following news that Serena Williams has pulled out of the tournament, Sharapova will fancy her chances to add to her trophy haul in Rome. The Russian will face compatriot Daria Gavrilova, who beat American Christina McHale, in the last four.