Nadal beats Djokovic and eyes semi spot
Nadal beats Djokovic and eyes semi spotRafael Nadal moved a step nearer to the semi-finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour finals in London with a 7-5 6-2 win over an ailing Novak Djokovic on Wednesday night.
Although the Group A and Group B standings are such that all eight competing players all still have a chance of reaching the last four, Nadal and Roger Federer have two wins apiece and seem to be making serene progress towards the weekend.
Nadal had never won a set at London’s 02 Arena until this year but he seems to be warming to the conditions and what appears to be a slower court this year compared to last. Djokovic’s cause was not helped by an eye problem – reportedly caused by his contact lens – that forced him to leave court at 4-4 in the first set for treatment. He received further attention at the start of the second set.
“Very sorry for Novak … what happened with the eyes,” said Nadal, who plays Tomas Berdych next. “For me, it was my best match here in London on this court. I’m very happy – the first 10 games were very level but I’m just very happy with the two victories.”
GROUP B
Thursday will see Roger Federer play Robin Soderling and Andy Murray take on David Ferrer. Federer tops Group B after beating first Ferrer and then Murray. Soderling and Murray have a win apiece and Ferrer is the man least likely make it to the semi-finals, despite that he still has a mathematical chance.
GROUP A
All matches on Friday will be live rubbers, which should at least keep things interesting. Nadal will take on Berdych, while Roddick plays Djokovic. With two wins, Nadal is in prime position, with Djokovic and Berdych on one win apiece and Roddick desperately needing a win.
Read Ian Barber’s report on Berdych versus Roddick.
Read Alex Willis’s latest blog from London
Topics: 02 Arena, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Atp World Tour, Barclays, Chance Group, Contact Lens, David Ferrer, Eye Problem, Grand Slam, Grand Slam Champion, London, Match, Mathematical Chance, Novak Djokovic, Prime Position, Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Roddick, Roger Federer, Rubbers, Semi Finals, Sports, Tomas Berdych, Wednesday Night, Wimbledon
Share this article:
Follow 10SBALLS.COM on:
10sBalls Top Stories
- Dodo Still Playing at USTA National Senior Women’s Hard Court Tennis Championships
- INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA – Latest Update (05/17/12)
- Sevn’s Blog: Dos muchachas del la Academia/ Two girls from the Academy
- British Baroness Targets LTA again
- Federer Says He Doesn’t Count Ranking Points
- Williams Doesn’t Mind Playing Early in the Day
- Today’s Women’s Update – Rome (05/17)
- Today’s Men’s Update – Rome (05/17)
- Do You Like to Play What If Roger…
- Everything Back to Normal?
- ITF, Preparing to Expand Pro Circuit, Selects Sportradar AG for Distributing Official Data
- South African Davis Cup Waiver Sparks Controversy
- Farmers Classic Tournament News
- Today’s Men’s News – Rome (05/16)
- Today’s Women’s News – Rome Update (05/16)
In Case You Missed It
USTA Member Appreciation Day
All USTA members will receive advance priority access to single session Loge tickets beginning Monday, June 11th at 10:00am from the UCLA Central Ticket Office.
Sven’s Postcards – Amstelveen with Rodrigo
Rodrigo is staying close to the academy in the forest of Amsterdam. He and his player use local transport in order to go from A to B in Amsterdam. We also payed a visit to tennis direct to pick up some strings from our sponsor Toalson.
NINTENDO PARTNERS WITH THE USTA IN ITS SMASHZONE MOBILE TOUR
The USTA announced today that Nintendo has signed on as an Official Sponsor of the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the interactive tennis fan attraction which introduces children to tennis in a fun and engaging way.
Bryans Bounce Back With 54-Minute Win
Second seeds and two-time former champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan bounced back from last week's opening-round loss at the Mutua Madrid Open
