Nadal overcomes Sock to enter China Open semis

World No.8 Rafael Nadal is the first player through to the China Open semi-finals, his first semis in the past year, after a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Jack Sock here on Friday.

The No.3 seed fought back to defeat the World No.30 in little more than two hours.

The Spaniard hit 10 less winners than Sock's 29 but was the more consistent of the two. He committed 10 less unforced errors than his opponent's 35.

Nadal had beaten the American once before in the fourth round at Roland Garros this year and despite dropping the opening set, found his range in the second set.

He saved a break point while serving for the set and went on to level the match when Sock netted a backhand return.

The Spaniard landed a break at 3-all in the decider when Sock put a forehand wide to take a 4-3 lead.

He broke Sock on his first match point when the American sent a forehand long to pocket the contest.