Intro:

Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic all booked their places in the semi-finals of the Italian Open in Rome on Friday (16th May).

Script:

The quarter finals of the Italian Open got underway in Rome on Friday.

Eighth seed Milos Raonic took on Jeremy Chardy of France, who had produced a major shock earlier in the tournament by beating Roger Federer.

The big serving Raonic took the opening set 6-3 - however, Chardy fought back winning the second 7-5 to send the match to a decider.

Raonic regained his composure in the third set, two breaks of serve allowing him to claim a 6-3 5-7 6-2 win after just over two hours on court.

Grigor Dimitrov came into his contest against the hugely experienced Tommy Haas looking to join Raonic in the last four, in what was a clash between the oldest and youngest players currently ranked in the top 20.

Dimitrov was in superb form from the onset and took the opening set 6-2.

There was disappointment all round after that though, as the match ended prematurely with Haas forced to retire.

The German citing a problem with his right shoulder which was clearly effecting his performance.
Haas' misfortune allowing Dimitrov through unscathed.

Elsewhere, second seed Novak Djokovic survived a gruelling battle with tenacious Spaniard David Ferrer.

Taken to three sets for the second time in two days, the Serbian eventually battled through to take a 7-5 4-6 6-3 win.

He'll face Raonic next as he bids to reach the final of the Italian Open for the fifth time in his career.