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Saturday, 9 October 2010 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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.”