Spanish tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australian-open-nadal-djokovic-and-federer-go- through-first-round-rain-plays-spoil-spot-275705">Rafael Nadal</a> on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open.

The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets.

Nadal defeated Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 to march into the third round. The 33-year-old did not give his opponent any chance in the first set and dropped just three games to take the momentum in his corner.

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ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. 
 
And nor will <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/pnOiQUWxOc">pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220387890372513798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the second set, Delbonis provided a challenge to the world number one, but Nadal went on to maintain his composure to take the set 7-6. 
With two sets in his corner, Nadal decimated his opponent in the final set, dropping just one game and hence winning the match.

Nadal will next face Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had also progressed to the third round of the tournament.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open. The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets.

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Thursday progressed to the third round of the ongoing Australian Open. The world number one Nadal went past Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets. Nadal defeated Delbonis 6-3, 7-6, 6-1 to march into the third round. The 33-year-old did not give his opponent any chance in the first set and dropped just three games to take the momentum in his corner. ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. And nor will @RafaelNadal #AusOpen I #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × In the second set, Delbonis provided a challenge to the world number one, but Nadal went on to maintain his composure to take the set 7-6. With two sets in his corner, Nadal decimated his opponent in the final set, dropping just one game and hence winning the match. Nadal will next face Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round on Saturday. On Wednesday, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had also progressed to the third round of the tournament.

Australian Open: Nadal cruises to round three after beating Argentine Federico Delbonis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australian-open-nadal-cruises-to-round-three- after-beating-argentine-federico-delbonis-276232">Rafael Nadal</a> has proceeded to the fourth round after landing a thumping defeat to Argentine Federico Delbonis [6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1].&nbsp;

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ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. 
 
And nor will <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/pnOiQUWxOc">pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220387890372513798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But a sweet gesture by Rafael Nadal melted everyone's heart. In one of the rallies, Nadal's wrongly-directed forehand shot hit a ball girl's head.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nick-kyrgios-heats-up-things-by-mimicking-nadal-276255">Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal</a>

After which Nadal quickly ran towards to girl to check how she was and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. The girl was left blushing after it.&nbsp;

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ICYMI <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> triumphs in battle of the lefties on <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> 
 
Match report ➡ <a href="https://t.co/LSVccJa9vg">https://t.co/LSVccJa9vg</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/RAYysHZcEO">pic.twitter.com/RAYysHZcEO</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1220374957567488001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This gesture was appreciated by the crowd and even his opponent Federico Delbonis.&nbsp;

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Post-match, the girl was awarded a headband as a memento to which Nadal said: "She's a super brave girl. It has been one of the more scary moments of my career. I'm very happy she is good. She is brave. Well done."

Nadal expressed his fear after the ball hit the youngster: "For her, it was not a good moment, I was so scared for her, the ball was quick and straight on her,".&nbsp;

World No 1 has progressed to the fourth round of the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal has proceeded to the fourth round after landing a thumping defeat to Argentine Federico Delbonis [6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1]. ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.

Rafael Nadal has proceeded to the fourth round after landing a thumping defeat to Argentine Federico Delbonis [6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1]. ICYMI A moment *that* ball kid will never forget.. And nor will @RafaelNadal #AusOpen I #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/pnOiQUWxOc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × But a sweet gesture by Rafael Nadal melted everyone's heart. In one of the rallies, Nadal's wrongly-directed forehand shot hit a ball girl's head. Also read- Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios heats up things by mimicking Nadal After which Nadal quickly ran towards to girl to check how she was and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. The girl was left blushing after it. ICYMI @RafaelNadal triumphs in battle of the lefties on @RodLaverArena Match report ➡ https://t.co/LSVccJa9vg#AusOpen I #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/RAYysHZcEO — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2020 × This gesture was appreciated by the crowd and even his opponent Federico Delbonis. × Post-match, the girl was awarded a headband as a memento to which Nadal said: "She's a super brave girl. It has been one of the more scary moments of my career. I'm very happy she is good. She is brave. Well done." Nadal expressed his fear after the ball hit the youngster: "For her, it was not a good moment, I was so scared for her, the ball was quick and straight on her,". World No 1 has progressed to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal's sweet gesture during Australian Open match melts everyone's hearts

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started.&nbsp;

World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;

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ICYMI 6-time champ <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> kicked off his 22nd consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory 
 
Match report 👉<a href="https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx">https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/b4xY8zjvFq">pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219277149938438144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0).&nbsp;

World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches.

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Green means GO. 
 
Bidding for a record-extending eighth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> title, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏 
 
Match report 👉 <a href="https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8">https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MeHxqnwAS">pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219323992395407361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon.

World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0.

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The mentality of a legend 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/IeQxpbmXXk">pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219516577306927104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round.&nbsp;

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Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/s5svPwjzFE">pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219496114275213312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round.

Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson.

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. ICYMI 6-time champ @rogerfederer kicked off his 22nd consecutive #AusOpen campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory Match report 👉https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0). World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches. Green means GO. Bidding for a record-extending eighth #AusOpen title, @DjokerNole recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏 Match report 👉 https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8 pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon. World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0. The mentality of a legend 💯#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round. Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️@RafaelNadal fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.#AO2020 |#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round. Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.

Australian Open: Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer go through first round, rain plays spoil spot

33-year-old Rafael Nadal says he is surprised to be at the summit of the men's game given his long and varied history of injuries.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-and-federer-pledge-a250000-towards-relief-workers-in-charity-event-274432">Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief</a>

Enjoying a rare period of full fitness,&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;is bidding for his second title in his 15th appearance at Melbourne Park, as well as the added carrot of matching Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

In the 11 years since his 2009 triumph in Melbourne,&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;has battled back from a litany of serious injuries, defying predictions that his taxing, all-action game might cut his career short.

He now has a chance to hold three out of the four Grand Slam titles after winning the French and U.S. Opens last year.

"Well, I can't say I have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-laver-cup-with-hand-injury-251206">lucky with injuries</a>, because I have not," he told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

"But there is no secret. There is only passion, about love for the game, and about being able to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">stay positive</a> in the tough moments.

"It's true that I went through some tough situations during all my career. But I was able to always, with probably the positive attitude and with the right people around, to find a way to keep going.

"(It's) something that is difficult to imagine for me because of my style of game, as a lot of people said, my career should be little bit shorter.

"But here we are. (I'm) happy for that. Even for me is a big surprise to be where I am at my age."

<img alt="Rafael Nadal surprised at maintaining his winning streak despite severe injuries" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="249022e6-7241-4cad-82ef-c34348f55e70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-18T162327.509.jpg" /> 
[ Nadal attends a news conference ( Courtesy: Reuters) ]

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/alexander-zverev-diego-schwartzman-dominate-day-eight-at-us-open-2019-247354">Nadal, the only player</a> to claim the world number one spot in three decades, plays unseeded Bolivian Hugo Dellien in the first round on Tuesday and has a reasonably kind draw.

There is a potential fourth round match-up against 16th seed Karen Khachanov or local firebrand Nick Kyrgios, who has won three of his seven Tour matches against the Spaniard.

The pair have never been friends, with&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;accusing him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open last year.

Kyrgios in turn labelled&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;"super salty" and a bad loser. Nadal&nbsp;shrugged when asked about Kyrgios's chances at his home Grand Slam.

"Everybody knows who is Kyrgios. Everybody knows how big is his talent, how good he is when he wants to play at his best, when he's able to play at his best.

"His chances are always there."

33-year-old Rafael Nadal says he is surprised to be at the summit of the men's game given his long and varied history of injuries. Also Read: Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief Enjoying a rare period of full fitness, Nadal is bidding for his second title in his 15th appearance at Melbourne Park, as well as the added carrot of matching Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles.

33-year-old Rafael Nadal says he is surprised to be at the summit of the men's game given his long and varied history of injuries. Also Read: Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief Enjoying a rare period of full fitness, Nadal is bidding for his second title in his 15th appearance at Melbourne Park, as well as the added carrot of matching Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles. In the 11 years since his 2009 triumph in Melbourne, Nadal has battled back from a litany of serious injuries, defying predictions that his taxing, all-action game might cut his career short. He now has a chance to hold three out of the four Grand Slam titles after winning the French and U.S. Opens last year. "Well, I can't say I have been lucky with injuries, because I have not," he told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. "But there is no secret. There is only passion, about love for the game, and about being able to stay positive in the tough moments. "It's true that I went through some tough situations during all my career. But I was able to always, with probably the positive attitude and with the right people around, to find a way to keep going. "(It's) something that is difficult to imagine for me because of my style of game, as a lot of people said, my career should be little bit shorter. "But here we are. (I'm) happy for that. Even for me is a big surprise to be where I am at my age." [ Nadal attends a news conference ( Courtesy: Reuters) ] Nadal, the only player to claim the world number one spot in three decades, plays unseeded Bolivian Hugo Dellien in the first round on Tuesday and has a reasonably kind draw. There is a potential fourth round match-up against 16th seed Karen Khachanov or local firebrand Nick Kyrgios, who has won three of his seven Tour matches against the Spaniard. The pair have never been friends, with Nadal accusing him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open last year. Kyrgios in turn labelled Nadal "super salty" and a bad loser. Nadal shrugged when asked about Kyrgios's chances at his home Grand Slam. "Everybody knows who is Kyrgios. Everybody knows how big is his talent, how good he is when he wants to play at his best, when he's able to play at his best. "His chances are always there."

Rafael Nadal surprised to still be on top of the game

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-belguims-david-goffin-keeps-hope-alive- after-shocker-against-spains-rafael-nadal-273449">Rafael Nadal</a> and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006.

World number two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup -and-davis-cup-271915">Djokovic</a> leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year.

Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4.

Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1).

"Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal.

"We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too."

De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes.

Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australia-oust-britain-in-knife-edge-atp-cup- quarter-final-273204">De Minaur</a> was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set.

Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set.

The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed.

"My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut.

- Exceptional - 
Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second.

But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back.

He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match.

A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer.

"It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic.

"He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year."

Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots.

"It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider. World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006. World number two Djokovic leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year. Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4. Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). "Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal. "We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too." De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes. Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set. De Minaur was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set. Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set. The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed. "My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut. - Exceptional - Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second. But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back. He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match. A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer. "It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic. "He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year." Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots. "It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me."

Nadal's Spain to meet Djokovic's Serbia in ATP Cup final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">Novak Djokovic</a> braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday.

Spain's world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">Rafa Nadal</a> was also in punishing mood ahead of this month's Australian Open as he dismantled Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 in Perth to seal their tie.

Roberto Bautista Agut had given the Spaniards the lead after an equally one-sided 6-1 6-2 win over Franco Roncadelli in the $15 million&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup, which features 24 nations competing in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days.

Djokovic had a 15-0 head-to-head record against Monfils before Monday's clash and, after surviving an initial onslaught from his opponent, made sure the record remained blemish free.

The Serb saved nine break points while converting the three he had against Monfils, who finished 2019 in the top 10, to square the tie after the temperamental Benoit Paire had given France the lead by overcoming Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-7(6) 6-4.

"It was definitely one of the most humid conditions I have ever had in my career," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Djokovic</a> said in a courtside interview. "I mean, tonight was brutal.

"Obviously playing Gael is never easy. You are coming into the court knowing that you are going to have a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. He is a great fighter and a great friend of mine, so I wish him all the best. Tough luck today."

Djokovic returned to court with Viktor Troicki to clinch the deciding doubles match against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7(5) 10-3.

The 2-1 result ensured Serbia will finish as Group A winners and become the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals after Australia booked their place as Group F winners on Sunday.

Fit-again South African Kevin Anderson earlier won his first match since returning to competitive tennis with a 6-0 6-3 success against Chile's Cristian Garin.

Anderson, runner-up at the 2017 US&nbsp;Open and Wimbledon a year later, played only five tournaments last year due to injury before undergoing knee surgery in September.

The 33-year-old lost 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">Djokovic</a> in his return to action on Saturday, his first match since the third round of Wimbledon in July, but proved too good for Garin.

The former world number five did not face a break point against Garin, sealing the tie for South Africa.

Austria's world number four Dominic Thiem also bounced back from his season-opening loss against Croat Borna Coric by beating Diego Schwartzman 6-3 7-6(3) to help set up a 3-0 win over Argentina.

Croatia's Marin Cilic, the US&nbsp;Open champion in 2014, followed up Saturday's win against Austrian Dennis Novak with a 7-6(8) 6-4 win over 20-year-old Kacper Zuk of Poland.

Cilic converted only one of his 13 break points but the win in Sydney was enough to set up Croatia's second victory at the event after they defeated Austria 3-0.

Japan also completed their second win as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-leads-britain-to-opening-davis-cup-win-spain-reach-last-eight-263586">Yoshihito Nishioka</a> and Go Soeda emerged victorious in their singles matches to seal the tie against Georgia in Perth.

Novak Djokovic braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural ATP Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday.

Novak Djokovic braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural ATP Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday. Spain's world number one Rafa Nadal was also in punishing mood ahead of this month's Australian Open as he dismantled Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 in Perth to seal their tie. Roberto Bautista Agut had given the Spaniards the lead after an equally one-sided 6-1 6-2 win over Franco Roncadelli in the $15 million ATP Cup, which features 24 nations competing in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days. Djokovic had a 15-0 head-to-head record against Monfils before Monday's clash and, after surviving an initial onslaught from his opponent, made sure the record remained blemish free. The Serb saved nine break points while converting the three he had against Monfils, who finished 2019 in the top 10, to square the tie after the temperamental Benoit Paire had given France the lead by overcoming Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-7(6) 6-4. "It was definitely one of the most humid conditions I have ever had in my career," Djokovic said in a courtside interview. "I mean, tonight was brutal. "Obviously playing Gael is never easy. You are coming into the court knowing that you are going to have a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. He is a great fighter and a great friend of mine, so I wish him all the best. Tough luck today." Djokovic returned to court with Viktor Troicki to clinch the deciding doubles match against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7(5) 10-3. The 2-1 result ensured Serbia will finish as Group A winners and become the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals after Australia booked their place as Group F winners on Sunday. Fit-again South African Kevin Anderson earlier won his first match since returning to competitive tennis with a 6-0 6-3 success against Chile's Cristian Garin. Anderson, runner-up at the 2017 US Open and Wimbledon a year later, played only five tournaments last year due to injury before undergoing knee surgery in September. The 33-year-old lost 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to Djokovic in his return to action on Saturday, his first match since the third round of Wimbledon in July, but proved too good for Garin. The former world number five did not face a break point against Garin, sealing the tie for South Africa. Austria's world number four Dominic Thiem also bounced back from his season-opening loss against Croat Borna Coric by beating Diego Schwartzman 6-3 7-6(3) to help set up a 3-0 win over Argentina. Croatia's Marin Cilic, the US Open champion in 2014, followed up Saturday's win against Austrian Dennis Novak with a 7-6(8) 6-4 win over 20-year-old Kacper Zuk of Poland. Cilic converted only one of his 13 break points but the win in Sydney was enough to set up Croatia's second victory at the event after they defeated Austria 3-0. Japan also completed their second win as Yoshihito Nishioka and Go Soeda emerged victorious in their singles matches to seal the tie against Georgia in Perth.

Djokovic, Nadal march on with convincing wins at ATP Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-spain-into-davis-cup-semis-novak-djokovics-serbia-ousted-263989">Novak Djokovic</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-murray-honoured-at-atp-awards-269400">Rafael&nbsp;Nadal</a>&nbsp;urged organisers of the ATP Cup and Davis Cup Finals to consider a possible merger, saying it makes little sense to have two men's team competitions on the tennis calendar.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-2020-tennis-innovative-24-team-tournament-to-begin-from-january-3-271406">ATP Cup</a>, which begins on Friday, will feature 24 nations contesting in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days for the first time and will give the top men's players a solid platform to prepare for the Australian Open.

The tournament, however, comes just six weeks after the inaugural edition of the revamped Davis Cup, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-prize-pool-jumps-to-49-million-biggest-gains-for-early-rounds-269945">International Tennis Federation</a>'s flagship event, which was similar in nature and question remains if the two can co-exist in the future.

"We need to have one Super World Cup event, whatever you want to call it," world number two Djokovic, who heads the ATP players' council, told a news conference on Thursday.

"That's not going to happen next year... but if the two sides, the ITF, the Davis Cup, and the ATP get together very quickly, it can happen possibly for 2022.

"I hope it will happen because it's kind of hard to get top players to commit to play both events. And it's six weeks apart, so they're not really helping each other in terms of marketing, in terms of the value of the event and so forth."

Djokovic's concerns were echoed by world number one&nbsp;Nadal, who said having to play back-to-back team tournaments was confusing.

"For me personally that's not the ideal situation for our sport, but that's how it works today and I'm very excited that we can change that in the future," said&nbsp;Nadal, who won a fifth Davis Cup title with Spain in November.

The participating teams for the event have been determined by the singles ranking of their best player. Six of the top seven players in the world, barring Swiss great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks-world-attendance-record-264207">Roger Federer</a>, have arrived in Australia.

Federer pulled out of the event to spend more time with his family. Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-pulls-out-of-australian-open-with-injury-270808">Andy Murray</a> and Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-kei-nishikori-stunned-by-lajovic-in-second-round-204964">Kei Nishikori</a> are other notable absentees due to injury.

Australian Open holder Djokovic will make his ATP Cup debut for Serbia against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday while&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;will lead Spain into action against Georgia in Perth on the same day.

Revamped Aussie summer

To accommodate the $15 million ATP Cup, which also offers 750 ranking points, this year's Australian Open has been pushed back from its usual mid-month start by a week and will kick off at Melbourne Park from January&nbsp;20.

The ATP Cup has also left no room in the revamped tennis calendar for the mixed-gender Hopman Cup, which is popular with players and has traditionally served as a warm-up for the year's first Grand Slam.

With Brisbane hosting matches in the ATP Cup, next week's Brisbane International will be a women's only tournament while the Sydney International - one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world dating back to 1885 - has also gone missing.

Sydney's loss proved to be Adelaide's gain as the city will host the Adelaide International from January&nbsp;12, where Djokovic and women's world number one Ash Barty are the top draws.

ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-champion-simona-halep-targets-strong-finish-in-asia-251694">Wimbledon champion Simona Halep</a> will also play in Adelaide.

Sydney, which will host both the knockout stage of the ATP Cup and the group stage, also has to deal with apprehensions about smoke from the devastating bushfires impacting play.

Britain's team captain Tim Henman played down those concerns.

"In the context of what this country is going through with the bushfires and for us having to deal with perhaps slightly poor air quality, I think right there is the perspective," he told reporters. "I don't envisage it being a problem at all."

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal urged organisers of the ATP Cup and Davis Cup Finals to consider a possible merger, saying it makes little sense to have two men's team competitions on the tennis calendar.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal urged organisers of the ATP Cup and Davis Cup Finals to consider a possible merger, saying it makes little sense to have two men's team competitions on the tennis calendar. The ATP Cup, which begins on Friday, will feature 24 nations contesting in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days for the first time and will give the top men's players a solid platform to prepare for the Australian Open. The tournament, however, comes just six weeks after the inaugural edition of the revamped Davis Cup, the International Tennis Federation's flagship event, which was similar in nature and question remains if the two can co-exist in the future. "We need to have one Super World Cup event, whatever you want to call it," world number two Djokovic, who heads the ATP players' council, told a news conference on Thursday. "That's not going to happen next year... but if the two sides, the ITF, the Davis Cup, and the ATP get together very quickly, it can happen possibly for 2022. "I hope it will happen because it's kind of hard to get top players to commit to play both events. And it's six weeks apart, so they're not really helping each other in terms of marketing, in terms of the value of the event and so forth." Djokovic's concerns were echoed by world number one Nadal, who said having to play back-to-back team tournaments was confusing. "For me personally that's not the ideal situation for our sport, but that's how it works today and I'm very excited that we can change that in the future," said Nadal, who won a fifth Davis Cup title with Spain in November. The participating teams for the event have been determined by the singles ranking of their best player. Six of the top seven players in the world, barring Swiss great Roger Federer, have arrived in Australia. Federer pulled out of the event to spend more time with his family. Britain's Andy Murray and Japan's Kei Nishikori are other notable absentees due to injury. Australian Open holder Djokovic will make his ATP Cup debut for Serbia against South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday while Nadal will lead Spain into action against Georgia in Perth on the same day. Revamped Aussie summer To accommodate the $15 million ATP Cup, which also offers 750 ranking points, this year's Australian Open has been pushed back from its usual mid-month start by a week and will kick off at Melbourne Park from January 20. The ATP Cup has also left no room in the revamped tennis calendar for the mixed-gender Hopman Cup, which is popular with players and has traditionally served as a warm-up for the year's first Grand Slam. With Brisbane hosting matches in the ATP Cup, next week's Brisbane International will be a women's only tournament while the Sydney International - one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world dating back to 1885 - has also gone missing. Sydney's loss proved to be Adelaide's gain as the city will host the Adelaide International from January 12, where Djokovic and women's world number one Ash Barty are the top draws. ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and Wimbledon champion Simona Halep will also play in Adelaide. Sydney, which will host both the knockout stage of the ATP Cup and the group stage, also has to deal with apprehensions about smoke from the devastating bushfires impacting play. Britain's team captain Tim Henman played down those concerns. "In the context of what this country is going through with the bushfires and for us having to deal with perhaps slightly poor air quality, I think right there is the perspective," he told reporters. "I don't envisage it being a problem at all."

Djokovic and Nadal rally for merger of ATP Cup and Davis Cup

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match.

The match was played on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spaniard was able to showcase an aggressive style of tennis in the first set and he quickly took a 4-0 lead, but Schwartzman was able to win four games in succession to bring the scoreline to 4-4. However, Nadal was able to maintain his composure on the court and he was able to win the first set 6-4.&nbsp;

The second set was also a closely fought affair as both players went back and forth to keep the intensity of the match alive.

The 33-year-old Nadal was able to maintain his composure and he took the second set 7-5.

After winning the first two sets, Nadal did not waste time in wrapping up the third set and he won it 6-2.

Nadal will now face Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the semi-final match.

Berrettini had defeated Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in the quarter-finals.

Earlier, both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were knocked out of the tournament.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match. The match was played on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard was able to showcase an aggressive style of tennis in the first set and he quickly took a 4-0 lead, but Schwartzman was able to win four games in succession to bring the scoreline to 4-4. However, Nadal was able to maintain his composure on the court and he was able to win the first set 6-4. The second set was also a closely fought affair as both players went back and forth to keep the intensity of the match alive. The 33-year-old Nadal was able to maintain his composure and he took the second set 7-5. After winning the first two sets, Nadal did not waste time in wrapping up the third set and he won it 6-2. Nadal will now face Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the semi-final match. Berrettini had defeated Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in the quarter-finals. Earlier, both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were knocked out of the tournament.

US Open: Rafael Nadal enters semi-finals

Defying the years and one of the most fierce onslaughts he has ever faced at Roland Garros, Rafa Nadal won his 12th French Open crown on Sunday, leaving Dominic Thiem crushed and a packed Parisian stadium shaking their heads in wonder. The first set had been one for the ages, the second ran it close, but after three hours and one minute, all that mattered was that Nadal was once again in familiar pose, flat on his back on the clay, a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 winner to clinch his 18th Grand Slam triumph in total.

Nadal lifts French Open trophy for 12th time

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/draw-hands-roger-federer-smooth-start-on-french-open-return-221215">French Open campaign</a> knowing that she's 'done it already'.

The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals.

"It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament.

"Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again."

Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova.

"I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year.

"Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that."

On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week.

"I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said.

"And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high.

"I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'.

Most defending champions would start a grand slam with added pressure but Simona Halep declared she would kick off her French Open campaign knowing that she's 'done it already'. The third-seeded Romanian lifted the Suzanne Lenglen Cup last year after coming off second best at two previous Roland Garros finals. "It's much better and much easier, because I have the title already. Doesn't matter anymore what is going to happen," the 27-year-old told reporters on Friday ahead of the May 26-June 9 claycourt tournament. "Everything comes now as a bonus. So I will try just to give my best and to see if I'm able to do it again." Halep, who lost in the 2014 and 2017 finals in Paris, will kick off her campaign against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic and appears to have an easy path to the quarter-finals, where she faces a potential clash with Czech Petra Kvitova. "I will try to do things (like) a kid, enjoying the time. I wanted this badly, and I wanted so much that now having it, I just want to be happy and to smile," said Halep, who has not gone past the fourth round in a grand slam since she triumphed here last year. "Yesterday when I had the chance to touch the trophy again (at the draw ceremony), I wanted to take it home, but I was not able to do that." On clay, she reached the final of the Madrid Open before losing in the second round of the Italian Open last week. "I played so well in Fed Cup (against France). I really felt the game, and I was really confident after that tie. Also disappointed that we couldn't win the match, but still gave me a lot of confidence," she said. "And then going to Madrid which is maybe my favourite tournament, because I won twice there, and I played two finals, even if I didn't win the final, I felt that my level is very high. "I have confidence. I don't count Rome this year."

Simona Halep to start French Open title defence with no extra pressure

Three-time French Open champion and former world no. 1 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario analyses the contenders in the men's and women's draws ahead of the year's second grand slam. She thinks Rafael Nadal remains the firm favourite for a twelfth title, and considers defending women's champion Simona Halep as her own biggest threat.

WION Sports: Arantxa Sanchez picks her French Open favourites

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-into-rome-final-as-johanna-konta-completes-comeback-win-in-semis-219690">swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4</a> to reach his 50th Masters final.

"It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal.&nbsp;

"I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time.&nbsp;Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill."

Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome.

The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro.

But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final.

"He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.&nbsp;

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It's all come down to this! <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
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"His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all.&nbsp;

"He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history.&nbsp;I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure."&nbsp;

The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic.

The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25.

'Important test'

Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season.

The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend.

But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time.

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5️⃣3️⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/FedEx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FedEx</a> ATP Head2Head matches! 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@djokernole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
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"It's an important victory for me," said Nadal.&nbsp;

"Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better.

"For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player.&nbsp;

"Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one."

Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros.

"The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said.

"It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level.&nbsp;

"I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way."

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal.

"I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong."

Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes.

Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta.

"I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old.

Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final.

Novak Djokovic said he was relishing locking horns with his "greatest rival" Rafael Nadal as the pair set up the 54th clash of their careers Saturday in the Italian Open final. Djokovic battled past Argentina's Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 and meets defending champion Nadal on Sunday after the Spaniard earlier swept past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to reach his 50th Masters final. "It's the ultimate challenge," said the Serbian world number one of playing second-ranked Nadal. "I've had so many matches against him. Up to date, we had the longest rivalry of tennis of all time. Every time we get to play each other, it's a thrill." Djokovic -- winner at the Madrid Open last weekend -- has had to battle through his last two matches in Rome. The 31-year-old won through in 2hr 31min against 24th-ranked Schwartzman, having saved two match points over three hours on Friday night against Juan Martin Del Potro. But Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, has not dropped a set all week en route to an 11th Rome final. "He's one of the greatest champions this game has ever seen," said 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. It's all come down to this! @djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "His mentality, his approach, his resilience, ability to fight back after long absence from the tour, injuries, surgeries, he's had it all. "He keeps on showing to the world why he's one of the biggest legends of tennis history. I have greatest respect for him. He's my greatest rival of all time, for sure." The only time eight-time Rome winner Nadal has lost on the red clay of the Foro Italico has been to four-time winner Djokovic. The pair who have meet four times in the Rome final and are 2-2 in previous meetings while Djokovic leads their career rivalry 28-25. 'Important test' Nadal, seeded second, was playing his fourth straight semi-final, but had not managed to go further on clay this season. The 32-year-old had been stunned by Tsitsipas, seeded eighth and 12 years his junior, in the semi-finals at the Madrid Open last weekend. But the Spaniard was clinical on the red clay of the Foro Italico, winning through in 1hr 42min to reach the final for the 11th time. 5️⃣3️⃣ @FedEx ATP Head2Head matches! 😲@djokernole @rafaelnadal | #ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × "It's an important victory for me," said Nadal. "Last week I didn't play very well in Madrid. Today I did better. "For me tomorrow is an opportunity to play against a good player, a great player. "Is another test. I hope to be ready to compete well. Going to be a tough one." Nadal's run to the Rome final comes just a week before he starts his assault on a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros. "The feeling is that I am playing better every week, every day. That's important for me," he said. "It's not a drama to lose in semi-finals. The main thing is recover my level. "I've been through some tough moments after Indian Wells. Recovery of the knee again... was not easy to come back and to prepare myself the right way." Tsitsipas, meanwhile, who lost the Madrid final to Djokovic, was at a loss to explain his performance as he fell to his fourth defeat in five matches against Nadal. "I'm just trying to realise what I did wrong," said Tsitsipas, "because, I mean, it was just one break in each set, if I'm not wrong." Fellow Greek Maria Sakkari's run was also halted in the women's tournament as she fell 6-4, 6-4 to Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in 88 minutes. Sakkari, a 39th-ranked Rome qualifier, had won her first WTA title on clay at the Moroccan Open when she beat Britain's Johanna Konta. "I think I ran out of gas," said the 23-year-old. Konta, ranked 42, fought back from a set down to seal victory on her fourth match point against Madrid Open winner Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 after almost three hours to set-up a Sunday final clash with Pliskova.

'The ultimate challenge': Novak Djokovic to meet Rafa Nadal in Italian Open final

Former world number one and Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal said that golfer Tiger Woods is his favourite sportsperson. Rafa admires the hard work that Tiger Woods put in to return to the top of golf by winning the 2019 Masters on Sunday.&nbsp;

Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438">victory at the Masters</a>. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his 15th major title -- but the first since 2008.&nbsp;

Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005.

He underwent spinal fusion in 2017 fearing chronic back pain would deny him life's simple joys but it simply came out wrong when he fired a final-round two-under par 70 to finish on 13-under 275 for a one-shot victory.&nbsp;

On Woods' terrific victory, Nadal said, "He's probably my favourite sportsman in the world since a long time ago. I am a big fan of his."

Nadal further added, "There have been some tough years for him and you know I can't be more happy about the victory of yesterday."

"If you imagine all the processes and hard work he had to do to be back on a golf course. It's so difficult - all the things that he did. And finally win a grand slam again, in Augusta, probably his favourite one, means everything."&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal looked ahead to the Monte Carlo Masters and the defending champion said every tournament was like a comeback at the moment, as a result of his troublesome injury history.&nbsp;

Former world number one and Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal said that golfer Tiger Woods is his favourite sportsperson. Rafa admires the hard work that Tiger Woods put in to return to the top of golf by winning the 2019 Masters on Sunday.

Former world number one and Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal said that golfer Tiger Woods is his favourite sportsperson. Rafa admires the hard work that Tiger Woods put in to return to the top of golf by winning the 2019 Masters on Sunday. Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a victory at the Masters. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his 15th major title -- but the first since 2008. Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005. He underwent spinal fusion in 2017 fearing chronic back pain would deny him life's simple joys but it simply came out wrong when he fired a final-round two-under par 70 to finish on 13-under 275 for a one-shot victory. On Woods' terrific victory, Nadal said, "He's probably my favourite sportsman in the world since a long time ago. I am a big fan of his." Nadal further added, "There have been some tough years for him and you know I can't be more happy about the victory of yesterday." "If you imagine all the processes and hard work he had to do to be back on a golf course. It's so difficult - all the things that he did. And finally win a grand slam again, in Augusta, probably his favourite one, means everything." Rafael Nadal looked ahead to the Monte Carlo Masters and the defending champion said every tournament was like a comeback at the moment, as a result of his troublesome injury history.

'Tiger is my favourite sportsman,' says tennis star Rafael Nadal

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park.

Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point.

Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne.

Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 
 
📰👇<a href="https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc">https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc</a>
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"It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said.

Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record.

"I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview.

"That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> sending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final vibes to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> crowd 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/PRgnjNcezW">pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088746946880327680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper.

No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne.

A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve.

After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind.

That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats.

Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline.

But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury.

Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes.

A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest.

After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted.

There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes.

He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead.

From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal. The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park. Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point. Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne. Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals. .@DjokerNole concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an #AusOpen blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 📰👇https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × "It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said. Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record. "I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview. "That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me." .@DjokerNole sending #AusOpen final vibes to the @RodLaverArena crowd 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper. No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne. A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve. After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind. That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats. Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline. But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury. Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes. A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest. After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted. There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes. He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead. From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Lucas Pouille to set up Nadal final

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro wept courtside after downing third seed Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday to set up a French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal.

The injured-plagued former US Open champion battled through in three hours and 50 minutes after the match had been delayed by rain on Wednesday to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second time, but first in nine years.

"It's tough to speak now," said an emotional Del Potro.

"I've been a long time without feeling good with my body. I had surgery three times on my wrist and I was close to quitting this sport. I don't have words to explain what this means to me and my team."

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"Of course the love from you guys, you make me feel so happy. I'm so proud to be here playing in front of you, I feel at home here. You make me feel so happy, so merci beaucoup."<a href="https://twitter.com/delpotrojuan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@delpotrojuan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9pkgt9jlx">pic.twitter.com/I9pkgt9jlx</a>
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The fifth seed has now beaten Cilic eight times in a row, but on Friday he will face arguably the toughest test in tennis when he takes on 10-time champion Nadal for a place in the final.

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro defeated third seed Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 to enter the semi-finals of this year's French Open

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro wept courtside after downing third seed Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday to set up a French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal. The injured-plagued former US Open champion battled through in three hours and 50 minutes after the match had been delayed by rain on Wednesday to reach the last four at Roland Garros for the second time, but first in nine years. "It's tough to speak now," said an emotional Del Potro. "I've been a long time without feeling good with my body. I had surgery three times on my wrist and I was close to quitting this sport. I don't have words to explain what this means to me and my team." "Of course the love from you guys, you make me feel so happy. I'm so proud to be here playing in front of you, I feel at home here. You make me feel so happy, so merci beaucoup."@delpotrojuan #RG18 pic.twitter.com/I9pkgt9jlx — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 × The fifth seed has now beaten Cilic eight times in a row, but on Friday he will face arguably the toughest test in tennis when he takes on 10-time champion Nadal for a place in the final.

French Open: Del Potro routs Marin Cilic to enter semi-final

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.

Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)

A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.

Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.

But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.

Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp

Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)

One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.

Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.

A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.

Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.

Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.

Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.

However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.

Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

Rafael Nadal extended his astonishing winning run on clay to 42 consecutive sets as he reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-0 7-5 victory over Slovakia's Martin Klizan on Friday.

The defending champion will face David Goffin on Saturday after the Belgian beat Spaniard Roberto Bautista 6-7(3) 6-2 6-2.

Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas also reached the last four after overwhelming third seed Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-2 and the 19-year-old will next face Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta, who served up another upset by defeating second seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 7-6(4).

World number 140 Klizan, who had knocked out Novak Djokovic in the second round, came within a point of being the first player since Thiem in May 2017 to win a set against the Mallorcan on the slow surface but the world number one's famed battling skills denied him that moment of glory.

After romping through the opening set, Nadal lost his focus and surrendered his serve at the start of the second set. But just as Klizan appeared to be on the verge of delivering a psychological blow, the 10-times Barcelona champion saved the set point at 4-5 down before breaking back to level.

He held in the next game to take the lead for the first time in the second set and then broke a tired Klizan to clinch his place in the semis.

"He played very aggressively and caused me a lot of discomfort... he was unpredictable and that caused me confusion. It was tough, but the important thing was not to fail," Nadal told a news conference.

Tsitsipas converted four out of eight break points and made Thiem pay for an error-strewn display to secure the biggest win of his career.

Thiem began the contest strongly and came within a point of going up 3-0 in the opening set but allowed Tsitsipas to fight back. The Greek won a decisive break to go ahead at 5-3 after a double fault by Thiem and then served out the set.

Tsitsipas broke at 2-2 in the second set after more wayward hitting by Thiem and the world number 63 pulled away to seal the match.

Carreno Busta, seeded fifth in Barcelona, saw off Dimitrov to reach his second semi-final of the year and level his head-to-head with the Bulgarian at three wins apiece.

Rafael Nadal extended his astonishing winning run on clay to 42 consecutive sets as he reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-0 7-5 victory over Slovakia's Martin Klizan on Friday

Rafael Nadal extended his astonishing winning run on clay to 42 consecutive sets as he reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open with a 6-0 7-5 victory over Slovakia's Martin Klizan on Friday. The defending champion will face David Goffin on Saturday after the Belgian beat Spaniard Roberto Bautista 6-7(3) 6-2 6-2. Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas also reached the last four after overwhelming third seed Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-2 and the 19-year-old will next face Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta, who served up another upset by defeating second seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 7-6(4). World number 140 Klizan, who had knocked out Novak Djokovic in the second round, came within a point of being the first player since Thiem in May 2017 to win a set against the Mallorcan on the slow surface but the world number one's famed battling skills denied him that moment of glory. After romping through the opening set, Nadal lost his focus and surrendered his serve at the start of the second set. But just as Klizan appeared to be on the verge of delivering a psychological blow, the 10-times Barcelona champion saved the set point at 4-5 down before breaking back to level. He held in the next game to take the lead for the first time in the second set and then broke a tired Klizan to clinch his place in the semis. "He played very aggressively and caused me a lot of discomfort... he was unpredictable and that caused me confusion. It was tough, but the important thing was not to fail," Nadal told a news conference. Tsitsipas converted four out of eight break points and made Thiem pay for an error-strewn display to secure the biggest win of his career. Thiem began the contest strongly and came within a point of going up 3-0 in the opening set but allowed Tsitsipas to fight back. The Greek won a decisive break to go ahead at 5-3 after a double fault by Thiem and then served out the set. Tsitsipas broke at 2-2 in the second set after more wayward hitting by Thiem and the world number 63 pulled away to seal the match. Carreno Busta, seeded fifth in Barcelona, saw off Dimitrov to reach his second semi-final of the year and level his head-to-head with the Bulgarian at three wins apiece.

Nadal keeps up winning run to reach Barcelona semis, Tsitsipas stuns Thiem

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal.

Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3.

Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury.

Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point.

Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov.

The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row.

Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title.

<img alt="novak.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/novak.jpg" width="770" />

"It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him."

Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury.

The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.

&nbsp

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal. Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3. Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury. Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point. Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov. The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row. Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title. "It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him." Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet. World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury. The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.

Dominic Thiem upsets Djokovic in Monte Carlo to set up Nadal clash

Spain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-leander-paes-creates-history-as-india-win-doubles-match-128913">outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals </a>of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals.

Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to&nbsp;level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1.

European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with &nbsp;6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter. Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1. European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with 6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Davis Cup: Ferrer edges out Kohlschreiber as Spain beat Germany

Denmark&#39;s Caroline Wozniacki beat Spain&#39;s Carla Suarez Navarro in a tough three-set encounter to enter the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Wozniacki won the first set easily 6-0 but lost the second set in a tie-breaker 6-7(3-7), but came back strongly to win the final set 6-2.

The Danish players committed just three unforced errors but lost her way in the second set. The second seed, however, came back strongly in the final set to finish the game.

&quot;Another semi-final here, I&#39;m excited,&quot; Wozniacki said after a marathon two-hour battle. 
&nbsp;

Wozniacki won the first set easily 6-0 but lost the second set in a tie-breaker 6-7(3-7)

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki beat Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro in a tough three-set encounter to enter the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Wozniacki won the first set easily 6-0 but lost the second set in a tie-breaker 6-7(3-7), but came back strongly to win the final set 6-2. The Danish players committed just three unforced errors but lost her way in the second set. The second seed, however, came back strongly in the final set to finish the game. "Another semi-final here, I'm excited," Wozniacki said after a marathon two-hour battle.

Australian Open: Wozniacki beats Navarro, enters semi-final

Rod Laver Arena

Anett Kontaveit (EST) v Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP)

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN)

Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Diego Schwartzmann (ARG)&nbsp;

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

Denisa Allertova (CZE) vs Elina Svitolina (UKR)

Margaret Court Arena

Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) v Marin Cilic (CRO)

Petra Martic (CRO) v Elise Mertens (BEL)

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Petra Martic &amp; Anett Kontaveit are both looking to reach their first Grand Slam QF today...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/CZgnxrgdZO">pic.twitter.com/CZgnxrgdZO</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/954888585756385280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hisense Arena

Kyle Edmund (GBR) v Andreas Seppi (ITA)

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Day 7 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> is upon us ???????? 
 
Here are all the links you need to plan your day: 
 
Schedule: <a href="https://t.co/mRtN8jMegK">https://t.co/mRtN8jMegK</a> 
Live scores: <a href="https://t.co/JKaDyzkHHW">https://t.co/JKaDyzkHHW</a> 
Live blog: <a href="https://t.co/to7dCHXQCH">https://t.co/to7dCHXQCH</a> 
Watch online: <a href="https://t.co/GeMkr1xFs8">https://t.co/GeMkr1xFs8</a> 
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&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal aims to reach quarter-finals&nbsp;for the 10th time and will face&nbsp;Argentina&#39;s 24th seed Diego Schwartzman in an afternoon match on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal understands the pressure and gearing up for the match.&nbsp;

&quot;He&#39;s won three matches here, playing at very high level. He&#39;s a complete player, he said before the fourth round match.

&quot;Need to be at my best to get past him,&quot; he added.

Nick Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov face off in an anticipated clash.

Elina Svitolina&nbsp;will face Denisa Allertova to pursue her dreams of the maiden slam.

&quot;I cannot be more prepared than I am now. I had an amazing run in Brisbane,&quot; Svitolina said.

&quot;I&#39;m just enjoying myself on the court. Every match is a big challenge for everyone in a Grand Slam. And, you know, I&#39;m just going to go out there and do my best,&quot; she added.

&nbsp;

Elina Svitolina will face Denisa Allertova to pursue her dreams of the maiden slam

Rod Laver Arena Anett Kontaveit (EST) v Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Diego Schwartzmann (ARG) Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS) Denisa Allertova (CZE) vs Elina Svitolina (UKR) Margaret Court Arena Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) v Marin Cilic (CRO) Petra Martic (CRO) v Elise Mertens (BEL) Petra Martic & Anett Kontaveit are both looking to reach their first Grand Slam QF today...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/CZgnxrgdZO — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2018 × Hisense Arena Kyle Edmund (GBR) v Andreas Seppi (ITA) Day 7 of the #AusOpen is upon us ???????? Here are all the links you need to plan your day: Schedule: https://t.co/mRtN8jMegK Live scores: https://t.co/JKaDyzkHHW Live blog: https://t.co/to7dCHXQCH Watch online: https://t.co/GeMkr1xFs8 Ticket sales: https://t.co/iEEPwCnigk pic.twitter.com/U9dOw38WWA — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018 × Rafael Nadal aims to reach quarter-finals for the 10th time and will face Argentina's 24th seed Diego Schwartzman in an afternoon match on Rod Laver Arena. Nadal understands the pressure and gearing up for the match. "He's won three matches here, playing at very high level. He's a complete player, he said before the fourth round match. "Need to be at my best to get past him," he added. Nick Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov face off in an anticipated clash. Elina Svitolina will face Denisa Allertova to pursue her dreams of the maiden slam. "I cannot be more prepared than I am now. I had an amazing run in Brisbane," Svitolina said. "I'm just enjoying myself on the court. Every match is a big challenge for everyone in a Grand Slam. And, you know, I'm just going to go out there and do my best," she added.

Day 7: Nadal, Dimitrov, Kyrgios, Wozniacki eye quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal called on tour organisers to do more to halt injuries to top players after heartache at the Australian Open as he pulled out of his semi-final on Tuesday.

The Spanish world No.1 retired with a muscle injury in his upper right leg while trailing 0-2 to former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the fifth set of a titanic quarter-final struggle on Rod Laver Arena.

It is the second time he has been forced to pull out with injury in Melbourne after calling it quits in the third set of his 2010 quarter-final against Andy Murray with a knee problem.

The look on Nadal`s face said it all as he came to terms with missing a big opportunity to go after his 17th Grand Slam title after looking impressive in his early round matches.

&quot;Tough moments. Is not the first time an opportunity that is gone for me,&quot; he told reporters.

&quot;I am a positive person, but today is an opportunity lost to be in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam and fight for an important title for me.

&quot;This has already happened to me a couple of times in this tournament and it`s really tough to accept, especially after a tough December when I missed starting the season in Abu Dhabi and then Brisbane.&quot;

Nadal went into the year`s opening Grand Slam tournament with knee concerns, but ironically that wasn`t the problem that finally brought him undone in the heat of battle with Cilic.

&quot;I was playing okay. I was playing a match that anything could happen: could win, could lose. He was playing good, too,&quot; Nadal said.

&quot;But I was fighting for it. I was two sets to one up. Yeah, just have to accept, recover, go back home, stay with my people and keep going. That`s all.&quot;

Nadal said his problem was not hip-related, more a muscle issue high up on his right leg.

&quot;I can`t tell you exactly the muscle. It`s high on the leg. Tomorrow we`re going to communicate what`s going on after a MRI scan,&quot; he said.

&quot;Now is not the moment to say what`s going on because we really don`t know and the doctors really don`t know yet.&quot;

Nadal said tour organisers had to do something about the growing number of injuries among players after the withdrawals of Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori before the tournament and Novak Djokovic struggling ahead of his exit on Monday.

&quot;Somebody who is running the tour should think a little bit about what`s going on. Too many people are getting injured,&quot; Nadal said.

&quot;I don`t know if they think a little bit about the health of the players. I don`t know if we keep playing on these very hard surfaces what`s going to happen in the future with our lives.&quot;

Nadal said he was having no problems with the knee that forced him out of lead-up tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane.

&quot;I was playing three hours 50 minutes the other day. Today I was playing over three hours. I was running quite well.&quot;

&nbsp;

Croatia's Martin Cilic beats Nadal to enter Australian Open semi-final

Rafael Nadal called on tour organisers to do more to halt injuries to top players after heartache at the Australian Open as he pulled out of his semi-final on Tuesday. The Spanish world No.1 retired with a muscle injury in his upper right leg while trailing 0-2 to former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the fifth set of a titanic quarter-final struggle on Rod Laver Arena. It is the second time he has been forced to pull out with injury in Melbourne after calling it quits in the third set of his 2010 quarter-final against Andy Murray with a knee problem. The look on Nadal`s face said it all as he came to terms with missing a big opportunity to go after his 17th Grand Slam title after looking impressive in his early round matches. "Tough moments. Is not the first time an opportunity that is gone for me," he told reporters. "I am a positive person, but today is an opportunity lost to be in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam and fight for an important title for me. "This has already happened to me a couple of times in this tournament and it`s really tough to accept, especially after a tough December when I missed starting the season in Abu Dhabi and then Brisbane." Nadal went into the year`s opening Grand Slam tournament with knee concerns, but ironically that wasn`t the problem that finally brought him undone in the heat of battle with Cilic. "I was playing okay. I was playing a match that anything could happen: could win, could lose. He was playing good, too," Nadal said. "But I was fighting for it. I was two sets to one up. Yeah, just have to accept, recover, go back home, stay with my people and keep going. That`s all." Nadal said his problem was not hip-related, more a muscle issue high up on his right leg. "I can`t tell you exactly the muscle. It`s high on the leg. Tomorrow we`re going to communicate what`s going on after a MRI scan," he said. "Now is not the moment to say what`s going on because we really don`t know and the doctors really don`t know yet." Nadal said tour organisers had to do something about the growing number of injuries among players after the withdrawals of Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori before the tournament and Novak Djokovic struggling ahead of his exit on Monday. "Somebody who is running the tour should think a little bit about what`s going on. Too many people are getting injured," Nadal said. "I don`t know if they think a little bit about the health of the players. I don`t know if we keep playing on these very hard surfaces what`s going to happen in the future with our lives." Nadal said he was having no problems with the knee that forced him out of lead-up tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Brisbane. "I was playing three hours 50 minutes the other day. Today I was playing over three hours. I was running quite well."

Australian Open: Nadal retires in fifth set, Cilic in semi-final

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina ended the first Grand Slam odyssey of 15-year-old Marta Kostyuk in straights sets on Friday.

The Ukrainian world number four breezed past her compatriot 6-2, 6-2 in just 59 minutes on a searing day on Rod Laver Arena.

&quot;It&#39;s very special for me to get past the third round,&quot; said Svitolina, who will be in the last 16 for the first time in Melbourne where she will face another qualifier, Denisa Allertova.

&quot;It&#39;s sad I was playing another Ukrainian girl.&quot;&nbsp;

Kostyuk had been labelled the &quot;future of tennis&quot; by some observers after becoming the youngest Australian Open second-round winner since &quot;Swiss Miss&quot; Martina Hingis in 1996.

But she produced a nervous, error-strewn display against Svitolina and was inconsolable as she returned to the locker room.

&quot;She&#39;s definitely got a bright future,&quot; said Svitolina. &quot;We&#39;ll be hearing a lot more about her.&quot;

The Ukrainian world number four breezed past her compatriot 6-2, 6-2 in just 59 minutes on a searing day on Rod Laver Arena.

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina ended the first Grand Slam odyssey of 15-year-old Marta Kostyuk in straights sets on Friday. The Ukrainian world number four breezed past her compatriot 6-2, 6-2 in just 59 minutes on a searing day on Rod Laver Arena. "It's very special for me to get past the third round," said Svitolina, who will be in the last 16 for the first time in Melbourne where she will face another qualifier, Denisa Allertova. "It's sad I was playing another Ukrainian girl." Kostyuk had been labelled the "future of tennis" by some observers after becoming the youngest Australian Open second-round winner since "Swiss Miss" Martina Hingis in 1996. But she produced a nervous, error-strewn display against Svitolina and was inconsolable as she returned to the locker room. "She's definitely got a bright future," said Svitolina. "We'll be hearing a lot more about her."

Australian Open: Svitolina ends teen sensation Marta Kostyuk's dream run

World number one Rafael Nadal is confident he will be &ldquo;100 pe rcent fit&rdquo; at the ATP Finals event in London as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

The Spaniard pulled out of the Paris Masters before his quarter-final match against American John Isner after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during his third-round win over Pablo Cuevas.

&rdquo;Hopefully the knee is good,&ldquo; Nadal told Sky Sports. &rdquo;I&rsquo;ve done everything I&rsquo;ve needed to do in order to get ready for London... Let&rsquo;s see if I am able to be 100 per cent to compete.&quot;

&rdquo;If nothing happens, then I will play. I visited my doctors after the Paris Masters - it was a tough day for me having to pull out of Paris.

&ldquo;I know I&lsquo;m confident because I&lsquo;m having a great season with one event to go. I am here to try my best.&rdquo;

Reigning French and US&nbsp;Open winner Nadal begins the quest for his first ATP Finals title against Belgian David Goffin on Monday and will also compete with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Austrian Dominic Thiem in his group.

Reigning French and U.S. Open winner Nadal begins the quest for his first ATP Finals title against Belgian David Goffin on Monday and will also compete with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Austrian Dominic Thiem in his group

World number one Rafael Nadal is confident he will be “100 pe rcent fit” at the ATP Finals event in London as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Spaniard pulled out of the Paris Masters before his quarter-final match against American John Isner after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during his third-round win over Pablo Cuevas. ”Hopefully the knee is good,“ Nadal told Sky Sports. ”I’ve done everything I’ve needed to do in order to get ready for London... Let’s see if I am able to be 100 per cent to compete." ”If nothing happens, then I will play. I visited my doctors after the Paris Masters - it was a tough day for me having to pull out of Paris. “I know I‘m confident because I‘m having a great season with one event to go. I am here to try my best.” Reigning French and US Open winner Nadal begins the quest for his first ATP Finals title against Belgian David Goffin on Monday and will also compete with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Austrian Dominic Thiem in his group.

Nadal to play for ATP finals despite knee injury

Spain&#39;s Rafa Nadal made sure he would top the ATP rankings at the end of the season when he beat South Korea&#39;s Chung Hyeon 7-5 6-3 in the second round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old will finish a year as world number one for the fourth time, after doing so in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

The 31-year-old will finish a year as world number one for the fourth time, after doing so in 2008, 2010 and 2013

Spain's Rafa Nadal made sure he would top the ATP rankings at the end of the season when he beat South Korea's Chung Hyeon 7-5 6-3 in the second round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday. The 31-year-old will finish a year as world number one for the fourth time, after doing so in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

Tennis: Nadal to end the year as world number one after Paris win

Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal waded into the Catalan independence referendum controversy even as a Spanish court suspended a Catalan law which set a framework for an independent state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-wins-us-open-routs-anderson-6-3-6-3-6-4-20055">Nadal who recently won the US Open</a> said being a Spaniard he was worried about the Catalan independence referendum, scheduled for October 1.

&quot;I feel like all Spaniards should feel, worried because there is a conflict that needs to be resolved and at the moment the solution seems complicated or, at least, not friendly. Let&#39;s hope things can be fixed,&quot; the US Open champion said.

Spain has declared the Catalan referendum illegal and challenged it in court. The Constitutional Court in Spain has suspended a law approving the October 1 referendum.

Nadal voiced his opinion about the impending referendum which has divided the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;This is evidently an extreme situation and things must be resolved. Both sides must make and effort and one can&#39;t just take unilateral decisions and from the other side we have to make Catalonia feel that we really want them and that we want them to be what they are, part of Spain.&quot;

&nbsp;

Nadal voiced his opinion about the impending referendum which has divided the country. ??

Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal waded into the Catalan independence referendum controversy even as a Spanish court suspended a Catalan law which set a framework for an independent state. Nadal who recently won the US Open said being a Spaniard he was worried about the Catalan independence referendum, scheduled for October 1. "I feel like all Spaniards should feel, worried because there is a conflict that needs to be resolved and at the moment the solution seems complicated or, at least, not friendly. Let's hope things can be fixed," the US Open champion said. Spain has declared the Catalan referendum illegal and challenged it in court. The Constitutional Court in Spain has suspended a law approving the October 1 referendum. Nadal voiced his opinion about the impending referendum which has divided the country. "This is evidently an extreme situation and things must be resolved. Both sides must make and effort and one can't just take unilateral decisions and from the other side we have to make Catalonia feel that we really want them and that we want them to be what they are, part of Spain."

Must make Catalonia feel we really want them: Nadal

Rafael Nadal notched up his 50th win at the US Open to reach the quarter-finals for the seventh time Monday as teen sensation Andrey Rublev and comeback queen Kaia Kanepi muscled into the spotlight.

World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine&#39;s Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.

The 31-year-old Spaniard goes on to face Russian 19-year-old Rublev, who stunned Belgian ninth seed David Goffin 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to become the youngest quarter-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2001.

As Rublev pondered a first Slam quarterfinal, the women&#39;s draw saw Estonia&#39;s world number 418 Kanepi book her place in the last eight of a major for the sixth time.

The 32-year-old is just the second qualifier to make the quarters in New York.

Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, showed no signs of the struggles that bedeviled him in the two previous rounds when he dropped the opening set before prevailing in four.

His 23 winners were just shaded by world number 64 Dolgopolov&#39;s 25 but the Ukrainian&#39;s 39 unforced errors were more than three times those committed by Nadal.

&quot;I played a solid match with not many mistakes,&quot; said Nadal, the reigning French Open champion.

&quot;He&#39;s a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be very unpredictable so I just waited for my opportunity.&quot;

Rublev, ranked 53, has won 13 of his last 17 matches after breaking the top 100 for the first time in June.

He marked his entry into the top 50 by winning the Umag title as a lucky loser in July and he insists all the pressure will be on Nadal who is chasing a 16th major.

&quot;Rafa is a real champion. I will try to do my best -- I have nothing to lose,&quot; said Rublev, whose push to victory on Monday was helped by Goffin suffering a left knee injury.

&quot;It was impossible to win today,&quot; said the Belgian.

Federer, bidding for a sixth US Open and 20th major, will tackle Philipp Kohlschreiber later Monday.

After stretching his runs of dominance over Mikhail Youzhny to 17-0 and Feliciano Lopez to 13-0, the 36-year-old Federer takes an 11-0 advantage into his night-time duel with German 33rd seed Kohlschreiber.

The remaining last-16 tie of the day sees 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, the 24th seeded Argentine, up against Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem.

Thiem, who was forced to quit with an injury against del Potro at the same stage in 2016, celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Kanepi, a former world number 15 whose career was almost ended by illness and a crippling injury, downed Russia&#39;s Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-4.

She will next face either Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina or Madison Keys of the United States.

It will be Kanepi&#39;s sixth quarter-final at the majors and second in New York after also reaching the last eight in 2010.

&quot;It&#39;s very tough to believe where I am now after all that has happened. I didn&#39;t expect it,&quot; said Kanepi, who is playing in the main draw of an event for the first time this year.

In 2016, she appeared just once in Rabat as she battled the effects of Epstein-Barr virus and then painful plantar fasciitis in both feet.

Top seed Kristina Pliskova, the runner-up in 2016, needed just 46 minutes to sweep past Jennifer Brady of the United States 6-1, 6-0 and make her third Slam quarter-final of 2017.

The tall Czech had needed back-to-back three-setters to get to the last 16, including having to save a match point against Zhang Shuai of China in the third round.

Pliskova will next face American 20th seed CoCo Vandeweghe, who made the last eight for the first time by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine's Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1

Rafael Nadal notched up his 50th win at the US Open to reach the quarter-finals for the seventh time Monday as teen sensation Andrey Rublev and comeback queen Kaia Kanepi muscled into the spotlight. World number one Nadal, who could meet old rival Roger Federer for the first time in New York at the semi-final stage, crushed Ukraine's Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. The 31-year-old Spaniard goes on to face Russian 19-year-old Rublev, who stunned Belgian ninth seed David Goffin 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to become the youngest quarter-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2001. As Rublev pondered a first Slam quarterfinal, the women's draw saw Estonia's world number 418 Kanepi book her place in the last eight of a major for the sixth time. The 32-year-old is just the second qualifier to make the quarters in New York. Nadal, the 2010 and 2013 champion, showed no signs of the struggles that bedeviled him in the two previous rounds when he dropped the opening set before prevailing in four. His 23 winners were just shaded by world number 64 Dolgopolov's 25 but the Ukrainian's 39 unforced errors were more than three times those committed by Nadal. "I played a solid match with not many mistakes," said Nadal, the reigning French Open champion. "He's a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes he can be very unpredictable so I just waited for my opportunity." Rublev, ranked 53, has won 13 of his last 17 matches after breaking the top 100 for the first time in June. He marked his entry into the top 50 by winning the Umag title as a lucky loser in July and he insists all the pressure will be on Nadal who is chasing a 16th major. "Rafa is a real champion. I will try to do my best -- I have nothing to lose," said Rublev, whose push to victory on Monday was helped by Goffin suffering a left knee injury. "It was impossible to win today," said the Belgian. Federer, bidding for a sixth US Open and 20th major, will tackle Philipp Kohlschreiber later Monday. After stretching his runs of dominance over Mikhail Youzhny to 17-0 and Feliciano Lopez to 13-0, the 36-year-old Federer takes an 11-0 advantage into his night-time duel with German 33rd seed Kohlschreiber. The remaining last-16 tie of the day sees 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro, the 24th seeded Argentine, up against Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem. Thiem, who was forced to quit with an injury against del Potro at the same stage in 2016, celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday. The 32-year-old Kanepi, a former world number 15 whose career was almost ended by illness and a crippling injury, downed Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-4. She will next face either Ukrainian fourth seed Elina Svitolina or Madison Keys of the United States. It will be Kanepi's sixth quarter-final at the majors and second in New York after also reaching the last eight in 2010. "It's very tough to believe where I am now after all that has happened. I didn't expect it," said Kanepi, who is playing in the main draw of an event for the first time this year. In 2016, she appeared just once in Rabat as she battled the effects of Epstein-Barr virus and then painful plantar fasciitis in both feet. Top seed Kristina Pliskova, the runner-up in 2016, needed just 46 minutes to sweep past Jennifer Brady of the United States 6-1, 6-0 and make her third Slam quarter-final of 2017. The tall Czech had needed back-to-back three-setters to get to the last 16, including having to save a match point against Zhang Shuai of China in the third round. Pliskova will next face American 20th seed CoCo Vandeweghe, who made the last eight for the first time by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

Tennis: Nadal hits 50 at US Open as Rublev, Kanepi grab spotlight

Karolina Pliskova showed the steel of a world number one as she fought off a match point to claim a riveting 3-6 7-5 6-4 comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open&nbsp;third round on Saturday (September 9).

Pliskova, runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year, would have lost her world number one ranking had she been beaten on Arthur Ashe Stadium but moved another step closer to a first career grand slam title.

Chinese Zhang was aggressive throughout the match but was ultimately worn down by the tall, big-serving Czech.

Pliskova needed an injury time out to attend to a sore arm in the second set, which she hopes will not bother her when she faces either American Jennifer Brady or Monica Niculescu of Romania.

The men&#39;s number one seed Rafael Nadal also struggled at the start of his match, facing Argentine Leonardo Mayer with Mayer taking the first set on a tie-break.

The second set was a close affair with lengthy games at its outset though neither player could capitalise on the many breaking point chances on offer. Nadal eventually did break before taking the set and hardly looked back, gaining confidence and Mayer losing his focus.

Nadal went on to win the next two sets, winning the match 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-4.

Karolina Pliskova comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open third round on Saturday

Karolina Pliskova showed the steel of a world number one as she fought off a match point to claim a riveting 3-6 7-5 6-4 comeback win over Zhang Shuai in the US Open third round on Saturday (September 9). Pliskova, runner-up at Flushing Meadows last year, would have lost her world number one ranking had she been beaten on Arthur Ashe Stadium but moved another step closer to a first career grand slam title. Chinese Zhang was aggressive throughout the match but was ultimately worn down by the tall, big-serving Czech. Pliskova needed an injury time out to attend to a sore arm in the second set, which she hopes will not bother her when she faces either American Jennifer Brady or Monica Niculescu of Romania. The men's number one seed Rafael Nadal also struggled at the start of his match, facing Argentine Leonardo Mayer with Mayer taking the first set on a tie-break. The second set was a close affair with lengthy games at its outset though neither player could capitalise on the many breaking point chances on offer. Nadal eventually did break before taking the set and hardly looked back, gaining confidence and Mayer losing his focus. Nadal went on to win the next two sets, winning the match 6-7 6-3 6-1 6-4.

US Open: Pliskova survives Zhang scare, Nadal wins epic battle

Spanish reigning Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza were shaken and saddened by Thursday&#39;s attack in Barcelona that left 13 people dead and another 100 injured.

&quot;Shattered by what has happened in Barcelona! All my support for the families affected and the city,&quot; Nadal tweeted.

Nadal&#39;s scheduled third-round match against countryman Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Masters was postponed due to rain.

The 31-year-old winner of 10 French Open crowns captured the ATP title this year at Barcelona as well as in Madrid, Monte Carlo and Roland Garros for his 15th Grand Slam crown in June. 
A van driver slammed into crowds on Las Ramblas, Barcelona&#39;s most popular street, in a daylight attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Police was treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

Sixth-ranked Muguruza, who captured the Wimbledon title last month, learned of the incident during a two-hour rain delay in her 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3) victory over American Madison Keys.

&quot;I couldn&#39;t believe it. I have been so many times to that place, so many times. It&#39;s like a main street with a lot of shops and people,&quot; Muguruza said.

&quot;I was very surprised because you always hear what happened in Paris and in London, and you&#39;re, like, &#39;Shit.&#39; But now, I&#39;ve been so many times to this place, it&#39;s like my home. And I feel, like, &#39;Shit.&#39;

&quot;I&#39;ve been there so many times. So it really shocked me. Really shocked me.

&quot;I&#39;m just sad for the people that were there. I feel like if you&#39;re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can happen anywhere.&quot;

Once Muguruza learned of the attack, she called to make certain her family was unharmed.

&quot;During the rain delay. I&#39;m like OK, I was listening to music, I checked for news and stuff, and I&#39;m like, &#39;Oh,&#39;&quot; Muguruza said. &quot;I checked with my family. Everything is OK, but, you know, it&#39;s just incredible.&quot;

&nbsp;Emotional shock&nbsp;

Muguruza said she was able to set aside the emotional shock and return to finish her match, deadlocked 2-2 in the third set when the storm struck. She saved three match points before breaking in the 12th game, then led all the way in the tie-breaker.

&quot;I&#39;m used to putting so many things aside to be able to compete. That&#39;s my every day, putting things aside and going out there and have two hours of concentration of tennis,&quot; Muguruza said. 
&quot;I just make sure that people around me are fine. There is not a lot I can do anymore. Just support the people. Be with them. But at the end I&#39;ve got to go play. And after, we can talk again. But I have to kind of block it for two hours.&quot;

David Ferrer, who also advanced to the quarter-finals, tweeted after his match: &quot;All my solidarity with the people affected in the attack of Barcelona .. Very sad all that is happening.&quot;

And Ramos-Vinolas tweeted ahead of his meeting with Nadal: &quot;Great pain when seeing what is happening in #Barcelona. A part of me is today with you. A hug to all affected families.&quot;

Thursday's attack in Barcelona had left 13 people dead and another 100 injured

Spanish reigning Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza were shaken and saddened by Thursday's attack in Barcelona that left 13 people dead and another 100 injured. "Shattered by what has happened in Barcelona! All my support for the families affected and the city," Nadal tweeted. Nadal's scheduled third-round match against countryman Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Masters was postponed due to rain. The 31-year-old winner of 10 French Open crowns captured the ATP title this year at Barcelona as well as in Madrid, Monte Carlo and Roland Garros for his 15th Grand Slam crown in June. A van driver slammed into crowds on Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most popular street, in a daylight attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Police was treating the incident as a terrorist attack. Sixth-ranked Muguruza, who captured the Wimbledon title last month, learned of the incident during a two-hour rain delay in her 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3) victory over American Madison Keys. "I couldn't believe it. I have been so many times to that place, so many times. It's like a main street with a lot of shops and people," Muguruza said. "I was very surprised because you always hear what happened in Paris and in London, and you're, like, 'Shit.' But now, I've been so many times to this place, it's like my home. And I feel, like, 'Shit.' "I've been there so many times. So it really shocked me. Really shocked me. "I'm just sad for the people that were there. I feel like if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can happen anywhere." Once Muguruza learned of the attack, she called to make certain her family was unharmed. "During the rain delay. I'm like OK, I was listening to music, I checked for news and stuff, and I'm like, 'Oh,'" Muguruza said. "I checked with my family. Everything is OK, but, you know, it's just incredible." Emotional shock Muguruza said she was able to set aside the emotional shock and return to finish her match, deadlocked 2-2 in the third set when the storm struck. She saved three match points before breaking in the 12th game, then led all the way in the tie-breaker. "I'm used to putting so many things aside to be able to compete. That's my every day, putting things aside and going out there and have two hours of concentration of tennis," Muguruza said. "I just make sure that people around me are fine. There is not a lot I can do anymore. Just support the people. Be with them. But at the end I've got to go play. And after, we can talk again. But I have to kind of block it for two hours." David Ferrer, who also advanced to the quarter-finals, tweeted after his match: "All my solidarity with the people affected in the attack of Barcelona .. Very sad all that is happening." And Ramos-Vinolas tweeted ahead of his meeting with Nadal: "Great pain when seeing what is happening in #Barcelona. A part of me is today with you. A hug to all affected families."

Nadal and Muguruza shocked by Barcelona attack

Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov shocked top seeded Rafael Nadal to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP Montreal Masters tournament, spoiling the Spaniard&#39;s chances of returning to world number one.

The 18-year-old Shapovalov continued his giant killing form at the hard-court tournament by rallying to stun Nadal in three sets 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Thursday.

&quot;I was just swinging for the fences,&quot; said Shapovalov, who needed a wild card to get into the tournament.

The 31-year-old Nadal would have returned to No. 1 in the world if he reached the semi-finals.

But Nadal struggled to get the ball to Shapovalov&#39;s backhand and didn&#39;t have an answer for the Canadian&#39;s blistering forehand winners.

&quot;He played well. He has great potential,&quot; Nadal said. &quot;I wish him the best. He played with the right determination.&quot;

Shapovalov&#39;s biggest win of his young career against the 15-time Grand Slam winner came as a result of some inspired tennis in front of a boisterous home crowd who cheered his every shot.

Shapovalov, who is ranked 143rd in the world, had just three wins this season coming into the tournament. He quickly got on a roll in Montreal, beating Brazil&#39;s Rogerio Dutra Silva in the opening round 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4. He then defeated former US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round in straight sets 6-3 7-6 (7/4) to set up the showdown with Nadal.

Shapovalov fell behind 3-0 before winning seven of the final eight points of the third set tiebreaker. He closed out the match with a forehand winner down the line and celebrated by falling onto his back then covering his face with his hands.

Nadal easily won the first set but couldn&#39;t put the free-swinging Canadian away with a second set victory.

The third game of the second set lasted 14 minutes with Shapovalov finally holding serve when Nadal&#39;s volley sailed into the net. Shapovalov managed to win the game despite double faulting three times.

&quot;Was it only 14 minutes?&quot; Shapovalov asked. &quot;It felt like three hours.&nbsp;

&quot;I just kept fighting. I knew it was going to be really tough. I went for my shots in the big moments and I caught a couple of lines got a little bit lucky but at the end of the day that is what tennis is.&quot;

Shapovalov said he didn&#39;t think he had a chance to win at all before the match. It wasn&#39;t until he levelled the sets at one each that he realized he could beat the 10-time French Open champion.

&quot;The whole day I was like - there&#39;s no chance. I will go and have fun but there is no way I am beating this guy,&quot; Shapovalov said.

&quot;I went up a break in the second set early and even though he broke me back I felt like - OK, I am capable of breaking him.

&quot;So when I won that second set I thought let&#39;s go one more set and who knows, anything can happen.&quot;

Shapovalov blasted a total of nine aces, including some on his second serve. He also had seven double faults and won 67 per cent of his first serve points.

&quot;It is incredible. I can&#39;t even talk right now. I grew up watching Rafa so just to be able to compete with him is one thing but to come out winning is a dream come true for me.&quot;

Nadal won 77 per cent of his first serve points, but had just two aces and six double faults in the two hour, 45-minute center court match.&nbsp;

Elsewhere on Thursday, Roger Federer maintained his career-long winning streak over David Ferrer to advance to the quarter-finals after a three-set battle with the veteran Spaniard.

Federer, 36, had never lost in 16 previous meetings with the 35-year-old Ferrer, whom he first defeated 14 years ago at the Vienna Indoor tournament.

But while Ferrer managed to take the opening set -- ending Federer&#39;s 32-set streak -- the Swiss ace raised his game to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

&quot;I actually feel really happy because I know I can play a lot better. David can play a lot better, too,&quot; Federer said.&nbsp;

&quot;We battled, both tried to find a way to win. You know, he had a good start, I had a better finish.&quot;

In other matches Thursday, Germany&#39;s Alexander Zverev defeated Nick Kyrgios 6-4, 6-3, Roberto Bautista outlasted Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/2) and Kevin Anderson of South Africa cruised past Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-1.

Nadal easily won the first set but couldn't put the free-swinging Canadian away with a second set victory.

Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov shocked top seeded Rafael Nadal to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP Montreal Masters tournament, spoiling the Spaniard's chances of returning to world number one. The 18-year-old Shapovalov continued his giant killing form at the hard-court tournament by rallying to stun Nadal in three sets 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Thursday. "I was just swinging for the fences," said Shapovalov, who needed a wild card to get into the tournament. The 31-year-old Nadal would have returned to No. 1 in the world if he reached the semi-finals. But Nadal struggled to get the ball to Shapovalov's backhand and didn't have an answer for the Canadian's blistering forehand winners. "He played well. He has great potential," Nadal said. "I wish him the best. He played with the right determination." Shapovalov's biggest win of his young career against the 15-time Grand Slam winner came as a result of some inspired tennis in front of a boisterous home crowd who cheered his every shot. Shapovalov, who is ranked 143rd in the world, had just three wins this season coming into the tournament. He quickly got on a roll in Montreal, beating Brazil's Rogerio Dutra Silva in the opening round 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4. He then defeated former US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round in straight sets 6-3 7-6 (7/4) to set up the showdown with Nadal. Shapovalov fell behind 3-0 before winning seven of the final eight points of the third set tiebreaker. He closed out the match with a forehand winner down the line and celebrated by falling onto his back then covering his face with his hands. Nadal easily won the first set but couldn't put the free-swinging Canadian away with a second set victory. The third game of the second set lasted 14 minutes with Shapovalov finally holding serve when Nadal's volley sailed into the net. Shapovalov managed to win the game despite double faulting three times. "Was it only 14 minutes?" Shapovalov asked. "It felt like three hours. "I just kept fighting. I knew it was going to be really tough. I went for my shots in the big moments and I caught a couple of lines got a little bit lucky but at the end of the day that is what tennis is." Shapovalov said he didn't think he had a chance to win at all before the match. It wasn't until he levelled the sets at one each that he realized he could beat the 10-time French Open champion. "The whole day I was like - there's no chance. I will go and have fun but there is no way I am beating this guy," Shapovalov said. "I went up a break in the second set early and even though he broke me back I felt like - OK, I am capable of breaking him. "So when I won that second set I thought let's go one more set and who knows, anything can happen." Shapovalov blasted a total of nine aces, including some on his second serve. He also had seven double faults and won 67 per cent of his first serve points. "It is incredible. I can't even talk right now. I grew up watching Rafa so just to be able to compete with him is one thing but to come out winning is a dream come true for me." Nadal won 77 per cent of his first serve points, but had just two aces and six double faults in the two hour, 45-minute center court match. Elsewhere on Thursday, Roger Federer maintained his career-long winning streak over David Ferrer to advance to the quarter-finals after a three-set battle with the veteran Spaniard. Federer, 36, had never lost in 16 previous meetings with the 35-year-old Ferrer, whom he first defeated 14 years ago at the Vienna Indoor tournament. But while Ferrer managed to take the opening set -- ending Federer's 32-set streak -- the Swiss ace raised his game to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. "I actually feel really happy because I know I can play a lot better. David can play a lot better, too," Federer said. "We battled, both tried to find a way to win. You know, he had a good start, I had a better finish." In other matches Thursday, Germany's Alexander Zverev defeated Nick Kyrgios 6-4, 6-3, Roberto Bautista outlasted Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/2) and Kevin Anderson of South Africa cruised past Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-1.

Canadian teenager beats Nadal at Montreal Masters

Rafa Nadal enjoyed an easy rout of Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Wednesday (August 9) as he raced through the first set in just 29 minutes and did not face a break point until the 13th game.

The Spaniard went on to win the match 6-1 6-2 and next faces 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, who enjoyed the biggest win of his young career by defeating hard-hitting Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 7-6(4).

He raced through the first set in just 29 minutes and did not face a break point until the 13th game

Rafa Nadal enjoyed an easy rout of Croatia's Borna Coric at the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Wednesday (August 9) as he raced through the first set in just 29 minutes and did not face a break point until the 13th game. The Spaniard went on to win the match 6-1 6-2 and next faces 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, who enjoyed the biggest win of his young career by defeating hard-hitting Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 7-6(4).

Nadal cruises through in Montreal

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