Brave Djokovic is beaten by Nadal

TENNIS: Ranting in the face of defeat, complaining about the start time — the return of an authentically competitive Novak Djokovic was welcome yesterday as he reminded everyone of how good he can be. The Serb turned back the clock against Rafael Nadal, but it was not quite far enough as the clay-court king emerged a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victor in a supreme quality Italian Open semi-final. The match was put back half an hour after Djokovic moaned about the previous day’s scheduling, which saw him have six hours less rest than his rival. He moaned again afterwards but had much to be pleased about overall. ‘I don’t think there was that much of a difference, which is great news for me,’ said Djokovic. Nadal meets German Alexander Zverev in the final after he beat Marin Cilic in straight sets. Meanwhile, Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares lost the doubles semi-final 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 10-8 to Colombia’s Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah.

RACING: Rhododendron edged out Lightning Spear in a thrilling photo finish to win the Group One Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old filly had been granted the perfect pace to aim at thanks to stablemate Deauville blazing a trail in front. Rhododendron took the lead one furlong out and Ryan Moore’s mount held off a late charge from David Simcock’s seven-year-old.

O’Brien said: ‘I was not worried by the drop to a mile. She was very brave.’