REBORN NOVAK SETS UP RAFA SHOWDOWN
MATCHES between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic used to come along with the frequency of London buses, but in recent times they have threatened to stop turning up at all. So when they meet this afternoon in the semi-finals of the Italian Open it will be only their second meeting in two years, although the 51st in all. Djokovic earned the right for another shot at the Spanish clay court king when he scored surely the best win since his comeback, beating Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 at the Foro Italico. In the event of an unlikely victory it would signal that he is well and truly back. It already constitutes a timely return to form ahead of the French Open and Wimbledon, with Maria Sharapova also rediscovering the winning knack at this most opportune moment. She achieved her most impressive result of a hitherto disappointing season when she made the last four by outlasting world No 6 Jelena Ostapenko in three hours and 10 minutes of ear-splitting warfare. The Russian’s return from a doping suspension in April last year has been marked by injuries and a failure to string together wins, but this 6-7, 6-4, 7-5 victory represented a fourth in four days, spending nine hours and 48 minutes on court. A key ingredient appears to have been rehiring veteran Swedish coach Thomas Hogstedt. Sharapova seems to have found more equilibrium, and she admitted she is becoming more appreciative as she gets closer to the conclusion of her career. ‘I realise these are special moments,’ she said. ‘I don’t know how it is going to end but I hope it is going to be on my terms.’ Confirmation that Andy Murray’s comeback schedule has not gone to plan arrived yesterday when he was left off the list of wildcards being granted into next week’s Loughborough Challenger event. Following hip surgery in January the twice Wimbledon champion had pencilled in the tournament as a platform to launch his return into the grass court season. But the recovery has clearly not gone as hoped, and, instead of a former world No 1, Loughborough will host a smattering of low-ranked British players.