INQUIRER Sports

MIAMI, Philippines -- World number two Rafael Nadal rallied for a three-set victory Wednesday over James Blake to book his semi-final berth at the ATP and WTA Sony Ericsson Open.

Nadal, seeded second behind world number one Roger Federer, defeated Blake 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 as he moved a step closer to his first title of 2008.

It was the Spaniard's second victory over Blake in as many starts, following his quarter-final win over the American at Indian Wells.

Prior to that, Blake had won the first three career meetings between the two.

Nadal earned the break he needed in the third game of the third set, and held on to close out the match in 1 hour and 55 minutes.