Nadal beats Djokovic and eyes semi spot

Written by: Staff on 25th November 2010

TENNIS: US Open-Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic

Nadal beats Djokovic and eyes semi spot

Sept. 13, 2010; Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) on day 15 of the 2010 US Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-US PRESSWIRE |

Rafael 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