Rafael Nadal will face Spanish compatriot David Ferrer in the Rome Masters last four after beating Tomas Berdych in straight sets this afternoon.

The world number three came out of the blocks quickly, breaking Berdych in the opening game of the first set courtesy of a fine passing shot.

Nadal didn't look back and played some excellent tennis, rarely offering Berdych the chance of a return break on his way to taking the set 6-4.

The Czech seemed to be en route to levelling the match when he broke the Spaniard midway through the second set, but Nadal responded by claiming two breaks of his own.

That gave him the opportunity to serve out for the match, which he did successfully to clinch a 6-4 7-5 victory.

Ferrer earlier booked his place in the semi-finals with a 7-6 6-3 win over Richard Gasquet, who eliminated Andy Murray in the last eight.