Nadal, Djokovic closer to fresh Monte Carlo showdown

Rafael Nadal survived a brief rain break before resuming his storied clay-court dominance with a 6-4, 6-2 quarter-final defeat of fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero at the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday.

Later top seed Novak Djokovic moved nearer to a repeat of the final he lost to the Spaniard here a year ago with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Argentine David Nalbandian, on the way back to success after hip surgery last May.

"I played really well," said Djokovic. "I hope I can keep this kind of game all the way to the end."

"To get to the semi-fials is a very good start to the clay season. I did well andu00a0 played a complete match today," said Nadal.