Madrid Open 2016: Final Schedule After Semi-Final Results

Andy Murray remains on course to defend his Madrid Open title after beating Rafael Nadal in the semi-final on Saturday. 

The Scot won in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 against the world No. 5, ending Nadal's 13-match winning streak.

Later on, Novak Djokovic will take on Kei Nishikori in the second semi-final. Here are the day's scores. Read on for a closer look at both encounters:

Result	Score
Andy Murray bt. Rafael Nadal	7-5, 6-4
Novak Djokovic vs. Kei Nishikori

Saturday Recap

Murray got off to a strong start on Saturday and did well to avoid the threat of Nadal getting early break—with the score at 30-30 in the third game, he produced a powerful ace and then emerged triumphant in an incredible 35-shot rally to hold.

The world No. 2 then held to love thanks to this sublime point, per the Madrid Open:

Murray built on his lead to go 4-1 up, but two errors on his backhand handed Nadal two break points at 4-2. He was able to save both and hold at 5-2, but the Spaniard grew into the match and fought back for 5-5 as he expertly manipulated Murray around the court.

The Scot was able to halt his opponent's charge with a hold, though, and claimed the first set with a comfortable break in the final game, per TennisTV:

The crucial game of the second set came at 2-2, as Murray finally held serve after repeatedly saving break points and being pegged back to deuce by the Spaniard. He then followed that up with a vital break thanks to an error from Nadal and strengthened the break with a further hold after saving more break points, per Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times:

As in the first set, the home favourite soon broke back to make it 5-4, this time thanks to a loose forehand into the net from Murray. Nadal's missed overhead and netted forehand saw Murray respond with a break to win the match and secure passage to the final.

The Scot will no doubt have his hands full with whoever wins the other semi-final, though, particularly if Djokovic wins. The Djoker has a 7-2 head-to-head record with Nishikori, but the Japanese star has looked excellent throughout the tournament and can give him a tough time.