SAO PAULO — Rafael Nadal advanced to the semifinals of the Brazil Open here late Friday, with a difficult three-set win over Argentine Carlos Berlocq. The 26-year-old Spaniard, ranked number five in the world, won his singles quarterfinal match 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 24 minutes against the 30-year old Argentine, ranked 78th in the world. Nadal will face off in Saturday's semifinal against another Argentine, Martin Alund, who earlier Friday defeated Filippo Volandri of Italy 7-5, 7-6. In another quarterfinal earlier Friday, Argentine David Nalbandian beat Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, the winner of the Brazil Open last year. Nalbandian will contest Saturday's other semifinal against Italian Simone Bolelli who ousted Argentine Juan Monaco. Isner overpowers Malisse Milos Raonic and John Isner stayed on track for a meeting in the final of the SAP Open by blasting their way past their quarterfinal opponents in quick time Friday. Canada's Raonic, a two-time defending champion in this tournament and top seed, sent down 14 aces in his 7-6 (0), 6-3 win over Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin. Isner made it to the San Jose final four for the first time in his career, overpowering Belgian veteran Xavier Malisse 7-6 (8), 6-2 with his booming serve. Next for Isner is Germany's Tommy Haas, who beat local wild-card Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-2. Isner, now the highest-ranked American, saved two break points in a lengthy first-set tiebreaker, relied on his big-finish forehand for two breaks in the second set and never let his strong serve slip during the match. He will play Saturday against fourth-seeded Tommy Haas, who beat wild-card Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-2. — Agencies
