Monte Carlo Masters: Rafael Nadal knocked out by David Ferrer

World number one Rafael Nadal is out of the Monte Carlo Masters after a straight-sets quarter-final defeat to fellow Spaniard David Ferrer on Friday.

The eight-time champion capitulated in a first-set tie break 7-1 before twice dropping his serve in the second to lose 7-6 6-4 to sixth-seed Ferrer, 32.

"All losses feel bad, but especially on clay," he said. "I'm not playing well."

Roger Federer came from behind to book his semi-final place by defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 2-6 7-6 6-1.

Federer, seven times winner of the Wimbledon title, will play eitherdefending Monte Carlo champion Novak Djokovic or Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in last year's French Open final, had beaten his compatriot only once before on clay, and that was a decade ago.

He said: "I have had to wait 10 years to beat him on clay. It was a long wait but I am pleased with the win and the way I played."

Nadal, who made 44 unforced errors in the match, said: "When your opponent is doing things better than you, the normal thing is to lose. That's what happened today. I'm not happy with how I'm playing."

Ferrer will play Australian Open champion Stanislaw Wawrinka, who defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 6-2, in the last four.

Victory over the 23-year-old Canadian means Wawrinka, 29, will contest a first semi-final since winning his maiden Grand Slam title in January.