Rafael Nadal has to battle for Monte Carlo win

Rafael Nadal worked for nearly three hours to subdue Spanish compatriot David Ferrer 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 on Friday to seal his place in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals.

Nadal won the opening set and was 3-0 up in the second set but lost it as Ferrer showed the fighting qualities which took him inside the top five last season.

However, eight-time champion Nadal sneaked out the win in the third set and will now play world number one Novak Djokovic in Saturday`s semi-final.