Summary The third seed triumphed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to secure a sixth win in six matches against Thomaz Bellucci
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 12, 2016 (AFP) - Rafael Nadal took another step closer to a double gold medal haul at the Rio Olympics on Friday when he quelled the fierce resistance of Brazilian number one Thomaz Bellucci to reach the men s singles semi-finals.
The third seed triumphed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to secure a sixth win in six matches against his fellow left-hander who was carried to a shock first set success by the raucous centre court crowd who were in a carnival mood.
Nadal, the 2008 singles champion, goes on to face either Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina or Spain s Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in Sunday s gold medal match.
Later Friday, he will join childhood friend Marc Lopez to face Romania s Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau in the men s doubles final.
Victory will allow Nadal to join Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Nicolas Massu as the only players to have won gold in singles and doubles at an Olympics.
