Nadal edges closer to setting a record
BARCELONA:
Rafael Nadal held off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-5 in the Barcelona Open quarter-finals on Friday to move closer to setting an ATP record as the first player to win the same event 12 times.
Nadal must first get through a semi-final against 2017 finalist Dominic Thiem, who crushed Argentine Guido Pella 7-5, 6-2.
Nadal took an hour and three quarters to overcome Struff in their first meeting.
“It’s difficult to face someone for the first time,” Spain’s 17-time Grand Slam champion said.
“It was important that my serve was solid today. I’m feeling better in my game and hope to keep improving here at home.”
Nadal is regaining his swagger after losing last weekend in the Monte Carlo semis to Italy’s Fabio Fognini.
Nadal stands a perfect 11-0 in Barcelona semi-finals.
“I’ve played two good matches here after my first,” he said, “The confidence is growing - and victories certainly help.
“I was able to find a way to win, my game is coming together now. I’m happy for today’s match.”
Japan's Kei Nishikori missed his chance to reach another final at the Barcelona Open as he lost 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 yesterday to Daniil Medvedev.
Fourth seed Nishikori had reached the final of the Catalan clay-court event three times, winning in 2014 and 2015 but losing the 2016 final to Rafael Nadal.
Asia’s top player won’t get the chance for revenge this year. The players exchanged breaks in the third set before the seventh seeded Russian Medvedev seized the first match point to break in the 12th game.