Rafael Nadal outclasses Daniel Gimeno-Traver to enter semis – VTR Open 2013
In an all-Spanish affair, former world number one Rafael Nadal eased past his compatriot, Daniel Gimeno-Traver, with a breadstick at the VTR Open 2013 on Friday. He jolted down a 6-1, 6-4 victory against the 27-year-old to power into the semi-finals at this
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series event taking place in Vina del Mar, Chile.
Seeded top in this event, Nadal showed superb tennis skills to overpower his fellow citizen in their second encounter. After notching the victory in 84 minutes, the higher ranked Spaniard improved to a 2-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against
Gimeno-Traver and secured a place in the final four at this clay court event.
The Spanish star commented in an on-court interview after clicking the match:
"Today I had more confidence than the other days. That is positive. It gives me confidence, and reasons to believe that I'm on the right way. I'm happy to win in singles against a tough opponent like Dani and to reach the semi-finals after seven months.
In this tournament I had a good feeling. The crowd gave me their support all the time. It helps a lot when you come with a bad feeling."
Nadal, who is playing his first tennis tournament since Wimbledon last circuit, made a thunderous entry on the Chilean dirt. He drew the first blood in the second game and leaped to a 3-0 lead before his compatriot could hold on. The top seed then stroke
out last three games and eventually bagged the breadstick.
The 26-year-old kept momentum sailing into the proceeding set. He swiftly bagged his entire serves and got the breakthrough in the ninth game, ultimately clinching the set with a 6-4 score line.
Next in line for Nadal is the third seed, Jeremy Chardy, who triumphed over the Italian contender, Paolo Lorenzi, in straight sets to set up this encounter. He recorded a 6-2, 6-3 victory against the sixth seeded Italian.
The eighth seed, Carlos Berlocq, will accompany Nadal in the final four. He received a walkover against Guillaume Rufin who was forced to withdraw from the match with an abdominal strain.
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