Rafa Nadal Battles Into Paris Quarters

13 November 2009

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Rafael Nadal once again had to show his steely resolve as he battled past fellow Spaniard in another tightly fought match for the former world number one.

Nadal had struggled with his form, particularly the serve, the day before but the opening set was a formality for the popular player as he took it 6-3.

Despite never taking a set of Nadal underdog Robredo continued to fight and once again Nadal struggled with consistency.

It proved to be another tense evening for all the Rafa fans in Paris as Robredo comfortably took the second set 3-6.

Into the third and the set went with serve until it was Robredo who struck first breaking Nadal to lead 5-4, leaving him serving for the match.

Nadal had saved five match points in his previous match against Nicolas Almagro and he needed a break if his hopes of reaching the quarters were to stay alive.

Famed for his fighting ability when his back is against the wall a break is precisely what the Spaniard produced a fantastic break to level the match.

There were to be no more games for Robredo as his poor record against Nadal continues as the world number two wrapped up victory 6-3 3-6 7-5.

Next up for Nadal is hometown favourite and defending champion Joe Wilfred Tsonga as overcame an injured Giles Simon in straight sets 6-2 6-3.

Novak Djokovic was equally ruthless as he dispatched Arnaud Clement 6-2 6-2 to set up a meeting with Robin Soderling in the quarter finals.

Soderling, the ninth seed, overcame Nicolay Davydenko in a tough three set match 6-3 3-6 6-4. Despite his loss Davydenko booked his place at the ATP Tour Finals in London.

Juan Martin Del Potro faced a tough test against Fernando Gonzalez, who served for the match in the second set before Del Potro battled back to level the match.

But Gonzalez, whose leg was heavily strapped, couldn’t take the match to a third set as he was forced to retire.

Quarter Final Line-Up

N Djokovc vs. R Soderling
R Nadal vs. J W Tsonga
G Monfils vs. M Cilic
J M Del Potro vs. R Stepanek.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw