MONACO (AP) - Rafael Nadal moved into the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-4, 6-2 victory Friday over Juan Carlos Ferrero, extending his winning streak in the event to 30 matches.
Top-seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 win over David Nalbandian.
Second-seeded Nadal dropped only two games in his previous two matches, but was tested by the ninth-seeded Ferrero, a two-time Monte Carlo Masters winner.
"To be in the semifinals is a very good start to the clay season," said Nadal, who is still chasing his first title of the year. "I had good control of the ball, when I attacked with the forehand I did well. My serve was much better today."
Ferrero saved two match points before Nadal closed out the contest with a strong serve that Ferrero could only return into the net.
Nadal next meets David Ferrer in another all-Spanish match. Ferrer defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 7-6 (1).
Nadal stopped Ferrer at the recent Sony Ericsson Open in straight sets. Nadal leads Ferrer 9-3 overall.