2LT National News

Barcelona – Rafael Nadal moved closer to an historic 12th title at the Barcelona Open on Friday with a 7-5, 7-5 defeat of Germany’s world No 51 Jan-Lennard Struff.

The top seed at his home event now stands just two wins away from becoming the first player in ATP Tour history to capture the same title 12 times. He currently owns 11 at Monte Carlo, Roland Garros and Barcelona.

Nadal will face either Dominic Thiem or Guido Pella for a place in Sunday’s final.

Results from the ATP Barcelona Open on Friday (x denotes seeding):

Quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 7-5, 7-5

Kei Nishikori (JPN x4) bt Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) 6-4, 7-5

Daniil Medvedev (RUS x7) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-3, 6-4