Nadal loses 1st semifinal on clay since 2003 to Fognini, ending remarkable win streak at 52

Fabio Fognini did it.

Fognini beat Rafael Nadal in a clay-court semifinal, ending a miraculous streak for the Spaniard. Nadal had won 52 straight semifinals on clay before Saturday night.

Fognini won 1-6, 6-2, 7-5, advancing to the Rio Open final in the process, where he'll face David Ferrer. Fognini did in style, too, winning the match on a backhand volley after Nadal's shot hit the net.

Nadal's last semifinal loss on clay before Saturday came in 2003 - and it was his first. He came into the match against Fognini with a 52-1 record, and on a 52-match win streak.

Nadal was on short rest after his Friday night match ending at 3:18 a.m. Saturday morning, which may have played a factor in the incredible streak coming to an end.

Ferrer, the second seed, defeated Andreas Haider-Maurer 7-5, 6-1 to book his spot in the finals. Ferrer's a career 7-0 against Fognini.