beIN SPORTS

Rafael Nadal progressed to the semifinals of the Qatar Open although his quarterfinal opponent, Andrey Kusnetsov, provided more resistance than was anticipated. 

The 24-year old Russian pushed the Spaniard to the brink in a hard fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 match that the experienced Nadal eventually pulled out. 

Nadal will face Ukrainian Illya Marchenko, who defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-6 in his quarterfinal.

The Spaniard needed three sets to see off outsider Kuznetsov in a contest which lasted two hours and eight minutes.

The 2014 champion Nadal won five of the 10 break points that he earned.

Nadal was broken four times against the world number 79 from Russia, but refused to be beaten as he attempts to regain the title he won two years ago.

Marchenko was a surprise winner against seventh seed Chardy after also beating David Ferrer, while third seed Berdych beat qualifier Kyle Edmund in straight sets, 6-3 6-2.