Ferrer reaches Monte Carlo Masters semis

David Ferrer of Spain has beaten Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5, 7-6 (1) to reach the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The 11th-seeded Ferrer served for Friday's match at 5-4, but Kohlschreiber broke back to even the set at 5-5. Ferrer dominated the tiebreaker and won on his first match point when Kohlschreiber's backhand was out.

Ferrer broke his German opponent in the 11th game, then took the set when Kohlschreiber's forehand return hit the net.

Ferrer next faces either five-time defending champion Rafael Nadal or two-time former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero who play later Friday.

In other quarterfinals, top-seeded Novak Djokovic faces David Nalbandian, and No. 6 Fernando Verdasco plays Albert Montanes in an all-Spanish match.