Tomas Berdych has fought off Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-2 to claim a spot in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.

The number six seed stunned his Spanish opponent by cruising through the first set, preventing Verdasco from imposing the same form that was used to overcome Rafael Nadal in the third round yesterday.

The Czech pro controlled the blue clay court from the early stages of the match by snatching the first break of serve from the number 15 seed and easily securing his own service matches.

The 28-year-old Spaniard failed to make an impact in the opening exchanges of the second set after losing his serve to the world number seven in his second game.

Berdych remained composed and continued his dominance to win the second set and set up a semi-final meeting with Juan Martin del Potro.