Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6 7-6(11) 6-4 to end the Swiss's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals.
Thiem, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning.
Rafael Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka 6-1 6-2 to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi.
Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving.
He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday.
The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tiebreak finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire.
Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tiebreak, saving two match points to force a decider.
Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third. Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match.
"Roger is playing really well on clay so I am really happy," said Thiem.
"He's so special, maybe the best player ever in tennis. It's so tough every single time you play against him, it's pure beauty how he plays the game, every point against him is a challenge."
Article from Reuters
