STUTTGART, Germany — Top-seeded Rafael Nadal overcame stiff resistance from Bernard Tomic to reach the semifinals of the Mercedes Cup with a 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory on Friday.
Nadal will next play fourth-seeded Gael Monfils, who beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.
The tournament is a grass-court tune-up for Wimbledon and Nadal said he was pleased with his game. After needing 2 hours, 40 minutes to beat Marcos Baghdatis on Thursday, Nadal was stretched again a day later, staying on court for 2 hours, 20 minutes.
But Nadal said he played "better than yesterday" and against an opponent who is very comfortable on the fast surface.