Djokovic beats Nadal for 7th straight time, reaches semis

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, celebrates after winning the first set against Rafael Nadal, of Spain, during their quarter final match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 13, 2016. AP

ROME — Novak Djokovic upheld his recent mastery over Rafael Nadal with a 7-5, 7-6 (4) win in the Italian Open quarterfinals on Friday.

Nadal wasted five set points in the second set.

It was the 49th meeting between them — the most in the Open Era — and Djokovic has won the last seven encounters.

Overall, Djokovic leads the series 26-23.

This was their last opportunity to play each other before the French Open, which starts in nine days.

Djokovic’s semifinal opponent will be either Kei Nishikori or Dominic Thiem.

In the other half of the draw, Andy Murray overcame some trouble on his service games to beat David Goffin 6-1, 7-5 and improve his record on clay this year and last to 27-3. TVJ