Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Rio Open after Fabio Fognini came from a set down for a 1-6 6-2 7-5 win in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The world number three made a strong start as he attempted to win his 53rd straight clay semi-final against a player who had not beaten him previously.

However, after struggling to get going in the opening set, the Italian battled hard to take control of the second, coming into the net often to put Nadal under pressure.

The deciding set was the closest of the three, but it was Fognini who eventually got the advantage, breaking his opponent by relentlessly attacking the Nadal serve before holding to clinch the win.

Fognini will face Nadal's Spanish compatriot David Ferrer for his fifth ATP title in the final.