PHOTOS/VIDEO: 2018 Monte-Carlo Masters SF Rafael Nadal vs. Grigor Dimitrov

2018 Monte-Carlo Masters SF Rafael Nadal bt. Grigor Dimitrov  6/4 6/1

Next opponent - Kei Nishikori 

MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Defending champion Rafa Nadal remains on course for an 11th Monte Carlo Masters title after beating Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-1 in the semi-finals on Saturday.

It looked a straightforward afternoon for the 31-year-old Spaniard when he clinched the first three games but Dimitrov worked his way back with a quick break to make it 3-3.

Nadal edged the opening set in the 10th game with a blistering forehand before he raced into a 5-0 lead in the second to stamp his authority on the match.

He wrapped up the victory in an hour and 31 minutes and extended his run of consecutive sets won on clay to 34.

Nadal needs to win the Masters 1000 tournament to retain number one ranking ahead of Roger Federer, and will face Japan's Kei Nishikori in Sunday's final.

"Every year is different and equally special," Nadal said after beating Dimitrov for the 11th time in 12 career meetings.

"So I'll just focus on doing the things that I have to do to give me another chance tomorrow. That's it.

"I don't want to think about another title yet, I just want to think about the way I have to play and try to be ready for it."

Photos: Getty Images; AP; REUTERS; MAXPPP; AFP; EPA

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