Nadal progresses after defeating Verdasco
Rafael Nadal came one step closer to his first US Open title by defeating fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals, winning 7–5 6–3 6–4.
Verdasco joined the list of players who have suffered in the Open's windy conditions this week, failing to retain the serving accuracy that is so vital against superior opposition.
While the tournament's eighth seed won five games against the world number one in the first set, he could do little to prevent Nadal from comfortably claiming the next two. At that point, the top seed had adapted to the wind.
"For now it's a very nice feeling to be in semi-finals for third time in a row in one of the most important tournaments of the world," Nadal said after his victory before reinstating his desire to win the tournament for the first time. "For me right now probably the most important."
Verdasco tame after first set
Verdasco struggled more than Nadal to hold his first service game of the match, but the 26-year-old prevailed in an entertaining baseline rally to break Nadal's serve and earn a 3–1 lead.
At this stage, Nadal was falling victim to the strong winds, just as Robin Soderling and Gael Monfils had on Wednesday.
Midway through the set, the eight-time Grand Slam winner began to hit the charging, accurate forehands he is known for, earning his first break and advancing to 5–4 in games.
At 6–5, Verdasco failed to land a simple smash at the net, gifting Nadal three break points when he only needed one to win the first set.
Both players held their serve for the first five games of the second set, but during the sixth Nadal defended two game points and, with the wind blowing his way, broke to 4–2.
At 5–3, Verdasco tried his best to pass Nadal, but with the top seed controlling all corners of the court with his powerful forehand, it wasn't an easy task.
With a beautifully placed forehand that landed right on the sideline, Nadal claimed the second set as his hopes for a semi-final spot increased.
The decider contained no real surprises after Nadal broke in the first game. The world number one won 14 of 15 of his first service points, proving too consistent and too focused for the faltering Verdasco.
Improving Nadal to face Youzhny
Nadal, who has yet to drop a set in New York this year, collected no double faults in the match, compared to Verdasco's six.
While both players struggled in New York's windy conditions, the Verdasco's 41 unforced errors against Nadal's 16 showed just who managed to prevail in the wind.
"I have to keep playing better if I want to win the final," said Nadal, who will face either Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer if he gets past Mikhail Youzhny in the semi-finals. "It's a great thing for me, especially without losing a set [in the tournament so far]. I played every day better."
Tags: