Rafael Nadal was victorious on his return from injury after he defeated Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-4 at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Nadal had not played since October due to a wrist injury but he eased past his Czech opponent in an hour and 16 minutes to overcome the world No 10 for the 20th time in his career.
Berdych was swept aside in the opening set but improved in the second, which went with serve until the ninth game when Nadal broke to lead 5-4 before closing out the match.
Victory sets up a semi-final clash against Milos Raonic in the exhibition event.
Belgium's David Goffin is also through to the last-four in the UAE after he saw off Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets.
Goffin won 7-6 6-4 to set up a tie against Andy Murray on Friday after the world No 1 received a bye to the semi-finals, as he begins his preparations for the Australian Open.