Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov and Kei Nishikori advanced to Semis at Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Only four gladiators still standing on the red clay

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov(4) opened the action on court Rainier III facing Belgian David Goffin (6), who put a good fight until the end but was defeated in two straight sets in an exhilarating tie breaker in the final set 6-4 7-6(5). (Photo: Grigor Dimitrov, April 20, 2018 @Celina Lafuente de Lavotha)

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal was ruthless defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem (5) in two easy sets 6-0 6-2, as the Austrian was just a shadow of the player who beat Djokovic the day before. The Spaniard was very consistent, moved wonderfully on the court, and used a variety of shots, not giving Thiem any chance. “It has been a great result for me, but it isn’t a normal result,” said Nadal. “He’s one of the best players in the world, specially on clay.”

Rafael Nadal defeated Thiem in Quarter finals , april 20, 2018 @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha.

Rafael Nadal’s camp with his father, his sister, his girlfriend, trainer, agent and more @CelinaLafuentedeLavotha.

It was not an easy task for Japanese Kei Nishikori to defeat top seeded No. 2 Croatian Marin Cilic, who took the second set in a one-sided tiebraker, but the Japanese was really patient and persistant, coming back in full force to claim victory in three sets 6-4 6-7(1) 6-3. (Photo: Kei Nishikori , April 20, 2018 @Celina Lafuente de Lavotha)

“Every match I think I’m improving,” said Nishikori. “Today was tough match. He was playing very well, specially in the second set. He was playing aggressively, taking the ball early and serving well.”

The last match of the day saw Richard Gasquet in top form, and having the French crowd on his favor, was able to take the first set from Alexander Zverev, but the German fought hard and won the next two 4-4 2-6 5-7. A perfect present for Zeverev 21^stbirthday today, so it will remain a memorable match for him! Zverev, who reached the semis in Monte-Carlo for the first time will be facing Kei Nishikori on Saturday.