Saturday 21 April 2018 18:02, UK
Rafael Nadal's mastery on clay courts continued with a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final win over Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday.
The veteran Spaniard must win a third consecutive title in Sunday's final in order to retain his status at world No 1 ahead of the French Open, with Roger Federer hoping to take over.
Nadal won 6-4 6-1 against Dimitrov, meaning he has won a quarter-final and semi-final in consecutive days for the loss of just seven games.
He will play Kei Nishikori, who won 3-6 6-3 6-4 against Alexander Zverev, in Sunday's final.
Sixteen-time Grand Slam champion Nadal seemed set for a straightforward afternoon when he won the first three games, but fourth seed Dimitrov hit back to make it 3-3.
Nadal outlasted his rival in a competitive opening set but then roared into a 5-0 lead in the second before confirming victory in his 14th Monte Carlo semi-final.
He has extended his run of consecutive sets won on clay to 34.
The dominant Nadal will earn an 11th championship in Monte Carlo in 14 years, if he wins Sunday's final.
Coverage of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters final gets underway from 1.30pm on Sky Sports Arena on Sunday.
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