The 33-year-old Spaniard, who won here in 2008 and 2010, defeated the 65th-ranked American 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to achieve the last four just the second time since he wrapped sprinter up in 2011. He lost to possible winner Novak Djokovic in the semifinals a year ago.

It will be a rematch between the world's best male players after Nadal beat Federer in the semifinals of the French Open a month ago on the way to his twelfth title in Paris.

Prior, second seed Roger Federer turned into the first male player in history to win 100 singles matches in a Grand Slam occasion after beating Japan's Kei Nishikori here at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The eight-time champion battled once more from one set down to crush the world No. 7 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Federer, 37, has likewise expanded his record for most Grand Slam appearances to 45.

The other semifinal will pitch four-time champ Djokovic against another Spanish player Roberto Bautista Agut. Top seed and defending champion Djokovic breezed past Belgium's David Goffin 6-4, 6-0, 6-2, progressing to the Wimbledon semifinals for the ninth time. Bautista Agut beat Guido Pella of Argentina 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinal.

On July 12, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will clash against each other in what would be a repeat of the 2008 semi-final.