Andy Murray beats David Goffin to reach Rome Masters semi-finals

Murray dropped his serve in the very first game of the match but then reeled off six games on the trot to take the first set with ease.

Goffin broke the Murray serve three times in the second but the world number three produced four breaks of his own to progress to the semi-final stage.

"The conditions were extremely difficult, the wind was swirling and changing direction almost in between points," said Murray.

"Obviously it was difficult and challenging and frustrating conditions for both of us.

"It was difficult to play great tennis but I just managed to get through.

"I always said from the beginning of my career that clay was a surface I enjoyed playing on the most because I find it challenging.

"It was very hard work for me, I've put a lot of work in over the years to try and improve my game on this surface and it's finally paying off.

"I'm starting to have good results and a little bit more consistency. I haven't been in the semis of the Masters Series on clay too often and it would be nice to try and reach my first final here."

The world number three will face France's Lucas Pouille in the semi-final after his quarter-final opponent Juan Monaco withdrew due to injury.

1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 5-Rafa Nadal (Spain) 7-5 7-6(4)

2-Andy Murray (Britain) beat 12-David Goffin (Belgium) 6-1 7-5

6-Kei Nishikori (Japan) beat 13-Dominic Thiem (Austria) 6-3 7-5

Lucas Pouille (France) beat Juan Monaco (Argentina) walkover