Nadal beats Dimitrov, sets QF with Federer

CINCINNATI: Rafael Nadal defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Thursday after a battle to set up a quarter-final contest with Roger Federer at the Cincinnati Masters.

World number three Nadal remains undefeated on hardcourt this season after winning titles in Indian Wells and last week in Montreal while Federer has been struggling this season.

Federer is bidding for a sixth title at the tournament while Spaniard Nadal played in the semi-finals in 2008 and 2009. (AFP)