Nadal, Monfils reach Japan Open semis

World number one Rafael Nadal has cruised through to the semi-finals of the Japan Open, joining Frenchman Gael Monfils, who saved a match point before overcoming American Andy Roddick.

The Spanish top seed, who completed a career Gland Slam by winning his first US Open crown last month, made quick work of the Russian, reeling off the last six games in a row for a 6-4 6-1 victory.

In a hard-fought contest, French fifth seed Monfils trailed Roddick 5-6 in the final set tie-break before firing successive aces on his way to a 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (8-6) victory.

“It was a great match. Both of us played great tennis,” said Monfils. “I came to the net more than usual.”