ROME - Novak Djokovic set up an Italian Open semi-final blockbuster against old rival Rafael Nadal after both former world number one players battled back in thrilling last-eight clashes on Friday. Djokovic, seeded 11th after his elbow injury problems, beat Japan's top player for the 12th time in succession. He started, he was flawless from both ends," said Djokovic who will face Nadal for the 51st time, holding a narrow 26-24 advantage. Marin Cilic beat Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Rome semi-finals for the first time where he will face second seed Zverev. "It was nice to close things down in that way after a long match," three-time Rome champion Sharapova said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 18, 2018 23:26 UTC