Rio de Janeiro: After 52 straight semi-final claycourt wins stretching back 12 years, top seeded titleholder Rafael Nadal saw his streak end on Saturday, exiting the Rio Open to Italian Fabio Fognini.


Fabio Fognini celebrates his win over Rafael Nadal. Pics/Getty Images 

Fognini, who had lost his four previous meetings with the 14-time grand slam champion, won 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 to reach a final against Spaniard David Ferrer.