Sports in Brief: Nadal tops Ferrer in Madrid

Rafael Nadal rallied past David Ferrer, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0, in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. Serena Williams struggled before defeating Anabel Medina Garrigues, 6-3, 0-6, 7-5, and second-ranked Maria Sharapova joined her in the semifinals after easing by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia, 6-2, 6-4.

NASCAR: Kurt Busch sped around Darlington with a fast lap of 181.918 m.p.h. for his third career pole there. Defending Southern 500 champion Jimmie Johnson will start alongside Busch, followed by Busch's younger brother Kyle. Later Friday at Darlington, Kyle Busch took the lead from Joey Logano 18 laps from the end to win his fifth Nationwide race this season.

- Staff and wire reports