Script:

Rafael Nadal took on Jack Sock of the United States in the quarter final of the China Open looking to reach his first hard court semi of the year.

The third-seeded Spaniard had lost before the semi-final stage in seven previous hard-court tournaments in what has been a disappointing season.

Nadal was more consistent than his American opponent, making 25 unforced errors to Sock's 35.

After dropping serve twice in the opening set, Nadal lost it 6-3, advantage to the American Sock.

But Nadal fought back to take the second set 6-4 and level the match.

The Spaniard's last title on hard courts came in Doha, Qatar, in January 2014- but he still has to change to win a title here- winning the last set to take the match 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

SOUNDBITE: (English), Rafael Nadal:

"Yes happy for that, obviously. It's good to finally have one comeback after losing the first set. I lost a lot of matches this year winning the first set, and it is good to change that and win a match losing that first set. So very happy for the victory against a very tough opponent."

Another hard fought match for the former world number one who takes on Fabio Fognini next.

Fognini beat Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2.