Rafael Nadal beats Tomas Berdych to face Roger Federer in the semi-finals of Sony Ericsson Open
World number one, Spaniard Rafael Nadal defeated world number seven Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in three sets 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami on Thursday. The Spaniard took 2 hours and
17 minutes to undo his opponent in a tough contest.
Nadal started the match playing extremely good tennis and completely dominated the opening set. He broke Berdych in the first and third game of the first set, racing to a 4-0 lead. At that moment, it looked like Nadal would crush
Berdych in straight sets. The Czech opened his account as he managed to hold his serve in the fifth game, taking the score to 1-4. Nadal held his serve in the eighth game to clinch the first set 6-2.
The Spaniard fired in a single ace and committed the same number of double fault in the opening set. He delivered 62 per cent of the first serves and converted 75 per cent of them into points. The left-handed converted 2 of the
4 break points he received in the opening set.
After losing the first set miserably, Berdych looked a completely different player in the second set. He broke Nadal in the second game and held his serve in the next service game to take a 3-0 lead. Berdych consolidated on the
single break of serve, serving out the set at 5-3.
The Czech made full use of his huge serves, hitting 6 aces in the second set. He kept his first serve percentage at 53 per cent and won 81 per cent of the points on his first serves. Berdych saved both break points he faced in
the second set. On the other hand, Nadal saved 3 of the 4 break points he faced in the second set.
With the match getting tied at one set apiece, the deciding set was expected to see a fierce battle. Berdych was looking to draw the first blood as he won first three points on Nadal’s opening serve, taking a 40-0 lead. However,
Nadal hit 3 consecutive aces to save triple break point and went on to hold the first game. The Spaniard broke Berdych’s serve in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead. The 6 feet 1 inch tall held his next service game, winning the set 6-3.
Nadal fired in 6 aces and 82 per cent of the first serves in the third set. The 24-year-old capitalized on the only break point he received in the final set.
Commenting on the match, the Spaniard said, “I didn't have a chance before with the return because he was serving fantastic. I had a positive attitude in the third set at the end, so when I had the chance, I converted. It was very
important.”
Nadal will face his old rival world number three, the Swiss Maestro Roger Federer in the semi-finals. This will be the 23rd meeting between the Spaniard and Federer. Nadal has won 14 of the 22 matches between these two.
Tags: