Ferrer through to semi final

 

Originally published on: 26/01/11 11:40

You can’t take it away from David Ferrer, he’s a good player and he still had to win the match, but there is no doubt that it was a surprise straight sets quarter final defeat tonight for World No.1 Rafael Nadal. The final score 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Hampered by an injury to his left hamstring from the second game in the match, Rafa never looked comfortable on Rod Laver Arena. As the prospect of an historic Rafa Slam drained away, the crowd held their breath. Even a re-strung racket couldn’t help provide the power that the world No.1 lacked tonight. But, like the great sportsman that he is he played on until the end; there was no concession to his Spanish compatriot who maintained his focus to earn his place in the semi-final.

This is only the fourth time in 15 meetings that Ferrer has beaten Nadal and it is the first time he has reached the semi finals at the Australian Open. In 2008 he reached the Quarter finals and in 2010 he reached the Top 10 for only the second time in his career and is currently ranked 7th in the world.

Speaking after the match a humble David Ferrer said it was not easy to play his friend and compatriot as he saw Rafa could not run, but he held his concentration. ” I am happy with my game,” he said.

As if you needed any reminder, the man that Ferrer will face in the semi finals is Britain’s Andy Murray. Ferrer leads their head to head meetings 3-2, but Murray claimed the last blood in the round robin at the 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 6-2 6-2. Ferrer was twice victorious in 2010, both victories coming on clay.

 

 

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