Rafael Nadal Battles Into Quarters

1 month ago 09th Oct 11:58

Rafael Nadal faced a tough test from American James Blake but came through in three sets to reach the quarter finals of the China Open.

There was inspired play from both men as the opening set went with serve, the American staying toe to toe with the top seed.

But it was Nadal who struck first in the eleventh game to give himself the break and the edge at 6-5. However his service game to claim the set was not straight forward as he faced two break points of his own.

However he was able to hold off Blake to claim the first set 7-5.

Into the second and Nadal appeared to be in complete control, as well as showing no sign of injury.

He opened up a 5-3 lead and faced set point only to be denied by Blake. The American produced some fabulous tennis of his own as he made inroads on the Nadal serve as well as holding his own to push the set to a tie break.

And the opening part of that tie break was all one way traffic, going the way of the American as the momentum was well and truly in his favour.

5-1 down Nadal battled back but the deficit was too great and Blake took in 7-4 to even the score.

But the momentum swung again in favour of the world number one as he once again managed to get his own serve under control.

He eventually closed out the match 7-5 6-7 6-3 to progress to the quarters where he will play Marat Safin.

The big hitting Russian is on his farewell tour this year, as he intends to retire at the end of the season, but he played some fabulous tennis to see off Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 6-4.

From start to finish the former U.S. Open and Australian Open winner bossed the match and Gonzalez had no answer for his powerful serving and all round game.

The other quarter final will see Ivan Ljubicic, who saw off Lucasz Kubot 7-6 4-6 6-4, face Robin Soderling, who had a straight forward 6-3 6-3 win over Tommy Robredo.