David Ferrer cruised past Rafael Nadal’s conqueror Fabio Fognini to win the Rio Open for the first time yesterday.

Rafael Nadal lost his first semi-final on clay for 12 years as Fabio Fognini booked a place in the final of the Rio Open at the world number three’s expense.

Serena Williams’ demise yesterday turned the ripples into shockwaves at a French Open full of surprises as Maria Sharapova assumed the mantle of title favourite.