Rafael Nadal is getting better and better.

The world no.1 plays an outstanding semifinal in Beijing against a very good Dimitrov to beat the Bulgarian in 3 sets full of great tennis.

The match

After winning an early break in the 4th game (3-1), Nadal managed to clinch a solid 6-3 2-0 lead. At that point, Dimitrov looked doomed, but eventually, the Bulgarian found the way to break Rafa twice in the 6th (3-3) and 10th (6-4) game.  In the decider, once again, Rafa made it clear why he is the deserving world no.1. The Mallorcan started the decider in fantastic fashion to grab a decisive 4-0 lead. Probably the most impressive game played by Nadal was the 6th one when he saved 3 consecutive break points (0-40) to hold his serve showing off amazing skills. Finally, Nadal broke Dimitrov also in the final game to win the match 6-3 4-6 6-1.

From Nadal

This is the 4th time that Nadal reaches the final in Beijing after he won the title in 2005 and he was the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in both 2013 and 2015. Soon after the match, Rafa commented

“I’m very happy to be in the final again. Of course, it is a very important achievement for me to continue with the positive feelings after winning the US Open. To be back here and be in the final with that very tough draw I had is a great effort. So I’m very happy.

I am very pleased the way that I have been playing the whole week, after a very tough first day. So here I am. I am in the final. Another chance tomorrow to compete in a big match. That’s important for me. That’s why we practice every day and try to improve.”

Rafa will face either Nick Kyrgios or Sascha Zverev in the final.