Nadal eases past Sock to reach Miami Open semis

Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal produced a rich vein of form as he stormed into the semi-finals of the Miami Open after registering straight sets victory over 13th seed Jack Sock in the men's singles event here on Thursday.

The Spanish maestro, who is seeking his first title in Miami after finishing runner-up here on four occasions, registered a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over his American opponent Sock in a pivotal clash that lasted one hour and 23 minutes on the Crandon Park hardcourt.

Reflecting on the match, Nadal said, "I think I was under control during the whole first set. In the second set, it was so important to save that game at 0-2, 15/40, and then get the break back in the next game. It was two positive things in two straight games that probably created a lot of damage on him."

Nadal will now lock horns with Italy's Fabio Fognini for a place in the summit showdown. He currently leads his FedEx ATP Head-to-Head rivalry with the Italian 7-3, but the pair has split their past six matches.

In women's singles clash, 11th-seed Venus Williams also booked her place in the last-four after thumping top-seed Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in their quarter-final contest.

Venus will now play against Australia's Johanna Konta for a place in the finals.