( CNN ) -- Rafael Nadal is known as the undisputed king of clay with seven French Open titles to his name -- but the Spaniard was given an almighty scare in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters Friday . Nadal , who has won the past eight editions of the tournament , was made to fight all the way by Bulgaria 's Grigor Dimitrov before eventually prevailing 6-2 2-6 6-4 . It was the first time the 26-year-old had dropped a set at the tournament since 2009 as he racked up a 45th consecutive match victory in the French principality . That record had looked in doubt until his opponent began to suffer with cramp in his leg , allowing Nadal to emerge victorious . But despite working his way back to fitness following a seven month absence with a knee injury , Nadal admits he still lacks match sharpness . `` I did n't play tennis for seven months , '' he told reporters . `` I 'm losing little bit intensity of the match for moments . `` That 's normal after being a lot of time outside of the competition . I played for a month , then I stopped for another month . I need time to play with top rhythm for the whole match . `` I was playing great at the first set , playing my best level . So that 's the most important thing . '' Nadal was spotted playing with taping on his back , but he refused to elaborate on the problem when asked . He added : `` I 'm happy to be in the semifinals , I played the best with what I had . It 's normal have problems on the back , on the shoulder , on the elbow . '' Dimitrov , 21 , is rated as one of the most exciting prospects in world tennis and for a while looked set to become the first man to defeat Nadal in Monte Carlo since 2003 . The 11-time grand slam winner was given a stern examination by the man ranked 34 in the world , who eventually succumbed after suffering pain in his left leg . `` It 's a tough loss , I think I gave everything I had today , '' Dimitrov told reporters . `` Today he obviously showed why he 's the best not only on that surface , I believe , but he 's one of the best out there . '' Nadal will now face France 's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga , who saw off Stanislas Wawrinka 2-6 6-3 6-4 in his quarterfinal tie . Wawrinka , who defeated Andy Murray in the previous round , fought off four match points before eventually being swept aside . `` It 's an incredible challenge , '' Tsonga told reporters of his upcoming contest with Nadal . `` He 's won eight times here . Anything I might achieve will be just a bonus for me . `` I no longer have any pain in my legs , because I know I 'm going to play a player that 's a lot better than I am on clay . `` I do have some weapons ; I have everything to win and nothing to lose . '' Top seed Novak Djokovic overcame his troublesome ankle problem to see off Finland 's Jarkko Nieminen 6-4 6-3 . `` My ankle is getting better and better , '' Djokovic told reporters . `` The pain is subsiding and that is very important for me . I just hope to play a good match tomorrow . '' The Serb will face Italy 's Fabio Fognini in the last four after he defeated France 's Richard Gasquet in straight sets .
Rafael Nadal qualifies for semifinal of Monte Carlo Masters . Nadal will face France 's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in last four . World No.1 Novak Djokovic to play Italy 's Fabio Fognini . Serb star confirms ankle injury is improving following latest win .