ACAPULCO, Mexico — Nahila ni Rafael Nadal ang Mexican Open winning streak sa 13 laro nitong Huwebes (Biyernes sa Manila) nang sibakin si Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (2), 6-3 para makausad sa semifinals.

Naging kampeon dito noong 2005 at 2013, nangailangan si Nadal ng halos dalawang oras para gapiin si Nishioka.

“Every game here is special. I did not play my best tennis but that’s why it has a merit,” pahayag ni Nadal.

“I played great the previous rounds and today I was able to get over a tough situation. I’m happy to be in the semifinals, that’s great news.”

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Sunod niyang makakaharap si third-seeded Marin Cilic ng Croatia, umusad nang mag-withdraw ang karibal na si American Steve Johnson dahil sa injury.

Ito ang unang sabak sa torneo ni Nadal mula nang matalo kay Roger Federer sa Australian Open final nitong Enero.

Umusad din si Novak Djokovic nang maungusan si Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Ito rin ang unang torneo ni Djokovic mula nang maagang masibak sa Australian Open. Nakabawi ang Serbian sa kabiguang natamo kay del Potro sa first round ng Rio Olympics nitong Agosto, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2).

“Every time you play against Delpo, there’s a lot of tension, emotions and quality of play,” pahayag ng 29-anyos na si Djokovic.

Makakaharap niya si Australian Nick Kyrgios, nagwagi kontra American Donald Young, 6-2, 6-4.