Fernando defeated Ernests Gulbis 6-2, 7-64 to advance to his first semifinal at the Barcelona Open BancSabadell. He faces compatriot David Ferrer for a place in Sunday’s final.

“Tomorrow we’ll both do everything we can to win, both David and I are playing well and the best player will win.”“I am not playing my best tennis here, at some moments I feel good, but in others not. But I have faith in myself and I think that’s very important in every match.

David always plays very well here, it’s the fourth time that he has reached the semi finals, and I am sure that he’s very motivated, but it’s a very special tournament for me too. I’ve been coming here since I was young, when I studied at the CAR in Barcelona, and I’m also very motivated to win. It’s going to be a very even match.”