Top seeds Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both progressed to the semi-finals with a potential clash likely to take place between the pair in the finals of the Shanghai Open. Nadal defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 to face fourth seed Marin Cilic in the semi-finals.
The world number one came into Friday’s quarter-final clash without dropping a set in his last two matches, but that ended in the second set against Bulgarian Dimitrov who he beat for the second time in seven days after his last four victory at the China Open. World number five Cilic booked his place in the semi-finals with a 6-3 6-4 win over Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
Meanwhile, second seed Federer beat Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-4 to set up a last four clash with Juan Martin Del Potro. The Argentine overcame an injury scare to beat Victor Troicki 4-6 6-1 6-4.
While Nadal and Cilic meet in the semi-final the other semi-final between Federer and Del Potro might not hold on Saturday. Del Potro injured his wrist during his quarter-final clash and may be forced to withdraw from the tournament. He was given treatment by the physio twice during the match and was later taken to hospital following his victory over Troicki.
It would mean the Swiss might have an extra day to prepare for a potential final with his arch rival Nadal if his semi-final clash against the Argentine doesn’t hold
