Top-seeded Rafael Nadal reached the semifinals of the Japan Open by beating Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 7-6 (6), 6-3 yesterday.

The defending champion from Spain was pushed early by the 53rd-ranked Giraldo, who forced a first-set tiebreaker at Ariake Colosseum. In the second set, Nadal broke early but Giraldo had a chance to break back late in the match.

“It was a tough first set. I thought I could play more relaxed in the second set,” Nadal said. “He is a very graceful player who can hit winners from everywhere.”

The Colombian earned a break point with Nadal serving for the match at 5-3, but the Spaniard hit a passing winner to get to deuce and ended the match moments later.

“You are worried at 7-6, 5-3, break point against,” Nadal said. “The match can change. You never know in tennis.”

Nadal will next play Mardy Fish of the United States. The fourth-seeded Fish defeated Bernard Tomic of Australia 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1.

“I need to be more aggressive with my forehand,” Nadal stated. “I was long and high today. I have to play more inside the court.”