Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal is eyeing his 17th consecutive victory against Tomas Berdych. Reuters

World number one Rafael Nadal and world number seven Tomas Berdych battle it out for a place in the final of the 2014 Sony Open Tennis at the Stadium Court in Miami on Friday.

Where to Watch Live

The play is set to begin at 11pm GMT. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 3 and Sky Sports 3 HD. Real-time internet updates and live streaming link is available on ATP's official website.

Overview

Nadal overcame 12<sup>th ranked Milos Raonic in the quarterfinal clash on Thursday. The Spaniard was handed a shocker first set going down, 4-6, to Canadian, thus conceding his first set in Miami so far.

However, Nadal bounced back to register victories in the subsequent sets, 6-2, 6-4, to progress into the semi-final with their duel lasting two hours and 35 minutes.

In the other quarterfinal, Berdych outwitted Alexandr Dolgopolov in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (3). The Czech Republican needed an hour and 45 minutes to clinch his victory and did so without dropping a single set in the competition this year.

Both Nadal and Berdych have had a considerably easy route till the penultimate round in Miami.

Nadal will be aiming to reach his fourth final in Miami hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in his career. He will also be aiming to register his 17<sup>th consecutive victory against Berdych.

The 28-year-old Czech Republican will have to gather all his strength if he aims to upset the odds to secure his place in the final.

Whoever emerges as the victor in this semi-final will take on the winner between world number two Novak Djokovic and 20<sup>th seeded Kei Nishikori in the final on Sunday, 30 March.

Route to Semi-final

Roberto Bautista-Agut
Tomas Berdych Reuters

Rafael Nadal

  • First Round: Bye
  • Second Round: 6-1, 6-3 v Lleyton Hewitt
  • Third Round: 6-1, 6-0 v Denis Istomin
  • Fourth Round: 6-2, 6-2 v Fabio Fognini
  • Quarterfinal: 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 v Milos Raonic

Tomas Berdych

  • First Round: Bye
  • Second Round: 7-6(5), 6-1 v Stephane Robert
  • Third Round: 6-2, 6-4 v Joao Sousa
  • Fourth Round: 6-3, 7-5 v John Isner
  • Quarterfinal: 6-4, 7-6 (3) v Alexandr Dolgopolov

Head-To-Head

Nadal holds a staggering record of 17-3 against Berdych in overall competitive matches. They have clashed three times in Grand Slam events where the Spaniard has prevailed on all occasions.

Nadal holds a 5-0 lead in the last five meetings between the pair.

Sony Open Tennis History

Nadal holds a 2-0 lead against Berdych in previous battles in Miami.

Rafael Nadal