Novak Djokovic can become only the second man in history to have twice held all four Grand Slam titles at the same time with victory at the French Open. However, a returning Roger Federer and rejuvenated Rafael Nadal will once again stand in his way.

Who can stop Rafael Nadal from winning 12th title?

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-ultimate-challenge-novak-djokovic-to-meet-rafa-nadal-in-italian-open-final-219785">Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic</a> in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals.

Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set.

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🇪🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>
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When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year.

However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9.

The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final.

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Just look at the smile on him 😀 
 
Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 
 
🎥: <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> <a href="https://t.co/uhxmwBCl8m">pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m</a>
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“For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26.

“To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.”

The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes.

The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4.

But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear.

"I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said.

"Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side.

"He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rafael Nadal proved that he would still be the man to beat when the French Open begins later this month after he humbled Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in the Italian Open final on Sunday to win a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title. The Spaniard, who had shared the record of 33 Masters titles with the Serbian world number one, warmed up for the defence of his Roland Garros crown by securing his ninth Rome title. Nadal got off to a flying start by whitewashing Djokovic in the opening set. It was the first time there has been a 6-0 set during a meeting between the two rivals. Djokovic took the second by breaking Nadal's serve for the first time while leading 5-4, but the second seed responded in style by storming through the decisive set. 🇪🇸 @rafaelnadal will now turn his focus to Roland Garros.#ibi19 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × When Nadal's previous three claycourt tournaments had ended in semi-final defeats, it no doubt gave his rivals hope that his long reign at Roland Garros could be coming to an end this year. However, the way he demolished the world's top-ranked player in the opening and third sets on Sunday would have once again struck fear into any of those challengers who had been harbouring hopes of lifting the Musketeers' Cup on June 9. The Spaniard heads into Roland Garros in top form after seeing his serve broken just twice en route to claiming his first title of 2019 in his 50th Masters final. Just look at the smile on him 😀 Congratulations, Rafa! 👏👏 🎥: @RafaelNadal | #ibi19 pic.twitter.com/uhxmwBCl8m — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 19, 2019 × “For me it’s always an honour to be here, I still remember my first time here in 2005,” said Nadal, who will be chasing a record extending 12th French Open title when the claycourt major begins on May 26. “To have the chance to come back and win this trophy after so many years means everything. It wasn’t an easy week for me.” The 32-year-old left Djokovic in a daze as he stormed through the opening set in 39 blistering minutes. The top seed fought back in the second as he saved four break points before winning the decisive game on Nadal's serve to take the set 6-4. But the Serb, who had survived three-set battles against Argentines Juan Martin del Potro and Diego Schwartzman to reach the final, faded in the final set as he dropped his opening service game before Nadal surged clear. "I'm really glad that I managed to get into the third set, considering the first set where I was blown away from the court," Djokovic said. "Obviously third set was not much different from the first. I was just running out of fuel a little bit today. Just kind of missed that half a step, especially on the backhand side. "He used it very well. He's been playing some terrific tennis throughout the entire week. He was just too strong today."

Rafael Nadal blows away Novak Djokovic to land ninth Rome title

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-pulls-out-of-italian-open-due-to-right-thumb-injury-219451">World number one Osaka pulled out</a> of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-out-of-italian-open-with-right-leg-injury-219425">Federer announced his withdrawal</a> because of a problem to his right leg.

Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman.

The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players.

Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2.&nbsp;

Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal.

Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome.

"I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters.

"No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said.

"I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added.

In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova.

The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal.&nbsp;

Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes.

She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May.&nbsp;

Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka.

She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Johanna Konta progressed to the Italian Open semi-finals on Friday, but Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka were forced to withdraw with injury problems. World number one Osaka pulled out of her quarter-final meeting with Kiki Bertens due to a thumb injury before 37-year-old Federer announced his withdrawal because of a problem to his right leg. Djokovic beat Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 7-6, (8-6), 6-4 in a three-hour thriller in the final match of the day to set up a semi-final with another Argentine Diego Schwartzman. The world number one saved two match points in a second set tiebreak before edging to victory in the final set after a match that brought out some scintillating tennis from both players. Djokovic will now meet Schwartzman on Saturday after the world number 24 beat Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2. Defending Italian Open champion Nadal set up a semi-final with Stefanos Tsitsipas thanks to a 6-4, 6-0 win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. A week after losing to the Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open, the 32-year-old Nadal will be eager to prove that defeat was just a blip as the Spaniard fine-tunes his game ahead of his bid for a 12th Roland Garros title. The 20-year-old Greek progressed after Federer's withdrawal. Nadal went 2-0 down against Verdasco before surviving three break points at 4-4 in the first set, but the second seed pulled away by winning eight consecutive games to continue his hunt for a ninth title in Rome. "I was not playing badly at the beginning at all but he was playing unbelievable (tennis)," Nadal told reporters. "No mistakes, a lot of winners, taking the ball early. It was a very difficult first set. It was one of the first sets that I am happier with. I think I had a good feeling during the whole match. Then after winning that first set, in the second, of course, he slows down a little bit, but I was able to play a little bit more aggressive with the forehand'', Nadal said. "I did a lot of things well. I am very happy to be in the semi-finals again. It's a good victory", he added. In the women's draw, Konta booked her first semi-final in Rome with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Czech Marketa Vondrousova. The Briton, who defeated Americans Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams in her two matches on Thursday, will face sixth seed Bertens on Saturday after the Madrid Open champion progressed as a result of Osaka's withdrawal. Konta, celebrating her 28th birthday, hit 42 winners against the 19-year-old Vondrousova and dominated the final set to clinch victory in one hour, 53 minutes. She heads towards this month's French Open in fine form on clay, having finished runner-up in the Morocco Open at the start of May. Fourth seed Karolina Pliskova recorded her 500th career win with a 6-7, (5-7), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Victoria Azarenka. She will face Maria Sakkari in the other semi-final after the Greek defeated fellow qualifier Kristina Mladenovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0.

Italian Open: Djokovic, Nadal and Konta progress to semis, Osaka and Federer bow out with injury

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday.

Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open.

The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes.

The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments.

In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova.

The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form.

Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second.

She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point.

“After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said.

"It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line.

“In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.”

Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal progressed to his 50th Masters 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday as British number one Johanna Konta also triumphed in the Italian Open semi-finals. The Spaniard will meet the winner of world number one Novak Djokovic's clash with Diego Schwartzman on Sunday. Nadal avenged his defeat to the 20-year-old Greek at the same stage of the Madrid Open a week ago as he looked to be returning to form ahead of this month’s French Open. The 32-year-old broke Tsitsipas’s serve early in both sets while holding his own service games as he wrapped up victory in one hour 42 minutes. The win keeps Nadal in the hunt for a ninth Italian Open title after he lost at the semi-final stages of his last four tournaments. In the women's singles, Konta came from a set behind to beat Dutch world number four Kiki Bertens 5-7, 7-5, 6-2 and progress to the final, where she will face qualifier Maria Sakkari or fourth seed Karolina Pliskova. The 28-year-old will contest her second claycourt final of the season, after finishing as runner-up to Sakkari at the Morocco Open, as she heads into this month’s French Open in fine form. Konta lost her momentum after being broken while serving for the first set but fought back by taking the second. She pulled away in the final set, breaking the Madrid Open champion’s serve twice before securing victory on her fourth match point. “After I lost the first set, I mean, I didn’t do much wrong," Konta said. "It was a very good set of tennis. Equally the second set, as well. There wasn’t anybody putting a bad foot out of line. “In the third, I definitely felt that I was able to maintain my level a bit better than her. I think that gave me the upper hand in stringing some more points together. I’m just very happy to have come through.” Konta became the first British woman to reach the final of the tournament since Virginia Wade in 1971.

Rafael Nadal powers into Rome final as Johanna Konta completes comeback win in semis

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215">outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled</a> from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-roger-federer-rafael-nadal-and-naomi-osaka-through-to-last-16-219212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9ys6P7qHiAhUVXHwKHcwgCz0QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TN6Ap7x66k7h4ZxdQ3LFp">having earlier beaten Joao Sousa.</a>

Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games.

Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament.&nbsp;

Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out.

The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty.

All that came after the 24-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103">ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast</a>, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.

Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education.

Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer.

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said.&nbsp;

GRITTY COMEBACK

The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak.

The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots.

Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline.

With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall.&nbsp;

"It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be",&nbsp;a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview.&nbsp;

Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total.

The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court.&nbsp;

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday.

An action-packed day at the Italian Open was marred by an astonishing outburst from Australian Nick Kyrgios, who was expelled from the tournament after going wild in the third set of his match against Casper Ruud on Thursday. The incident overshadowed an outstanding day for Roger Federer, who reached the quarter-finals on his return to the tournament for the first time since 2016 with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Borna Coric, having earlier beaten Joao Sousa. Holder Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic also romped into the last eight with straight sets wins on a day featuring double bills for the top seeds after rain wiped out Wednesday's play, with the Spaniard dropping only two games. Kyrgios made an unsavoury exit from the tournament. Trailing 2-1 in the third set, the Australian slammed his racket into the ground, kicked a water bottle and tossed a chair towards the centre of the court before he shook hands with the umpire and his Norwegian opponent Ruud and walked out. The outburst came after Kyrgios got a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Having already been handed a violation earlier, it meant the umpire also handed Kyrgios a game penalty. All that came after the 24-year-old ripped into Djokovic and Nadal in a podcast, having also misbehaved in his second-round match with Russian Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday. Several hours after slamming a ball over the Foro Italico's stands and bending over to turn his backside on Medvedev, Kyrgios branded Nadal a sore loser and the Spaniard`s uncle Toni an "idiot" for saying the Australian lacks education. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the ‘No Challenges Remaining’ podcast, Kyrgios also said Djokovic was "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but added that the Serb was too desperate to be admired like Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," Kyrgios said. GRITTY COMEBACK The 37-year-old fan favourite Federer rolled back the years to beat Sousa 6-3, 6-4 in the morning before staging a gritty comeback to edge Coric after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak. The Swiss maestro had looked every bit his age in the opening set against Coric, 15 years his junior, as the Croatian pummelled his rival with stinging baseline shots. Federer bounced back in the second as he carved out a 5-2 lead and clinched the set after Coric, who briefly stayed in it with a break of serve, sent a forehand beyond the baseline. With both players producing an array of spectacular shots, games went with serve all the way to the tiebreak, when Federer produced his best shots with his back against the wall. "It was very tight and I got lucky again. The atmosphere was fantastic, exactly how you want the atmosphere to be", a delighted Federer said in a courtside interview. Second seed Nadal blew away Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-1 earlier in the day before breezing past Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-0 and Djokovic spent a mere two hours and 10 minutes on the court in total. The top seed brushed aside Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 6-3 followed by 6-3, 6-0 destruction of Philipp Kohlschreiber in the late match on Centre Court. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka of Japan also had to double up as she reached her maiden Rome quarter-final with a pair of 6-3, 6-3 wins, overpowering Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova before sweeping aside Romania`s Mihaela Buzarnescu.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic reach last eight, Kyrgios expelled

World number three <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-federer-nadal-and-djokovic-reach-last-eight-kyrgios-expelled-219307&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjiorL2yaLiAhWIuY8KHYakASkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fc4AWaz3_r70-1cBggp_y">Roger Federer</a> pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury.

Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer.&nbsp;

"I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.

"Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year."

Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek.

The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa.

The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone &nbsp;French Open title in 2009.

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Get well soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/4kKVwDglcP">pic.twitter.com/4kKVwDglcP</a>
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Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.&nbsp;

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer. "I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play. "Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year." Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek. The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portgual's Joaa Suosa. The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone French Open title in 2009. Get well soon, @rogerfederer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4kKVwDglcP — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 17, 2019 × Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

Roger Federer out of Italian Open with right leg injury

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-breezes-past-stan-wawrinka-and-into-madrid-open-semi-finals-217751&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2eHmfuOnnrts7xbjBisn-b">Rafa Nada</a>l a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-third-madrid-title-and-33rd-masters-218214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOw42yup_iAhWc6nMBHXsdAkkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WWp-gQ8oWfQVDqsN8yi5R">world number one Novak Djokovic</a> has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.

Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining'&nbsp;podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches.

Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March.

World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory.

"When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios.

"It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot. 
"I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’."

Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-ousts-roger-federer-in-madrid-open-thriller-to-reach-semis-217625&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLmMe9up_iAhWLto8KHeYwBrQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iPu7fuhkbe9oNnIgIuVPh">Roger Federer.</a>

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said.

"For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.

"This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy."

Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever".

He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing".

He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches.

"These guys show me no respect. None," he said.

"So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway."

Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday.

He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June&nbsp;French Open. 
&nbsp;

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has branded Rafa Nadal a sore loser, the Spaniard's uncle Toni an "idiot" and said world number one Novak Djokovic has a "sick obsession" with being liked in a podcast certain to ruffle feathers ahead of the French Open. Speaking to tennis writer Ben Rothenberg on the 'No Challenges Remaining' podcast, the 24-year-old also disparaged a number of other top professionals and fans who heckle him at his matches. Kyrgios has had a tense relationship with Nadal, who accused him of "lacking respect for the public, the opponent and himself" after being beaten by the Australian at the Mexican Open in March. World number 36 Kyrgios labelled the French Open champion "super salty" -- slang for someone who is aggressive or ill-humoured -- and only gracious after victory. "When he wins, it’s fine. He won’t say anything bad, he’ll credit the opponent, ‘He was a great player’. But as soon as I beat him, it’s just like, ‘He has no respect for me, my fans and no respect to the game’," said Kyrgios. "It’s not a good look for you, I feel. And then uncle Toni came out saying, 'He lacks education'. I’m like, 'Bra (brother), I did 12 years at school, you idiot. "I’m very educated. I understand that you’re upset I beat your family again’." Turning his sights on another of the game's modern greats, Kyrgios described Djokovic as "an unbelievable player" and "a champion of the sport" but said the Serb was too desperate to be admired like popular Swiss rival Roger Federer. "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger," he said. "For me personally -- I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far -- I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him. "This whole celebration thing that he does after matches, it’s like so cringeworthy. It’s very cringeworthy." Kyrgios devoted special attention to Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, calling him "the most arrogant person ever". He spoke warmly of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray but also said the Briton's head-to-head record against Djokovic -- 11-25 in matches and 2-5 in Grand Slam finals -- was "embarrassing". He gave no apologies for hitting back at spectators who give him a hard time during matches. "These guys show me no respect. None," he said. "So why would I show you respect? For instance, when I’m taking matches, I don’t care that you paid for tickets. You guys treat me like crap anyway." Kyrgios, who has thrilled fans with the purity of his tennis and alienated some by flouting the game's conventions, plays Norway's Casper Ruud in the second round of the Rome Masters later on Thursday. He will then bid to surpass the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at the May 26-June French Open.

Nick Kyrgios calls Novak Djokovic 'cringeworthy', Rafael Nadal 'salty' in candid podcast

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-serena-williams-withdraws-while-alexander-zverev-crashes-out-in-italian-open-218888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFh4ecoaDiAhXVjOYKHQWrBKgQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw262nKqHdHwq4495Ay-jl2Q">Italian Open</a> for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill.

With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp6bDBoaDiAhUx6nMBHUiVAa8QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nqPQHAlMDxq9Q1yGmRchB">Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic</a> all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals.

The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric.

Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener.

Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32.

A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward.

The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand.

Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest.&nbsp;

"I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer.

"I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added.&nbsp;

After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy.&nbsp;

Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots.&nbsp;

Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly.

The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner.&nbsp;

In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.&nbsp;

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday. The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill. With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals. The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric. Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener. Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32. A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward. The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand. Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest. "I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer. "I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added. After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy. Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots. Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly. The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner. In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Naomi Osaka sail through to last 16

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/maria-sharapova-withdraws-from-italian-open-215391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfso-E0p_iAhUL6Y8KHaNCAVQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_rd0ZDTHX5OlFQ2Xq8zCf">Maria Sharapova</a> has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday.

Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January.

"Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones," she said in a post on her Instagram account.

"In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder," she added with a picture of her lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2014.

In February the world number 35 said she had undergone a small procedure to fix a long-standing shoulder problem.

The former world number one had missed out on a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.

Sharapova has been struggling back to top fitness since watching from the sidelines during her 15-month doping ban that ended in 2017.

This year's French Open will run from May 26 until June 9, with Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep as defending champions

Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday. Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January.

Maria Sharapova has pulled out of this year's French Open with a shoulder injury, the two-time former Roland Garros winner announced on Wednesday. Sharapova, 32, a five-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since pulling out of a tournament in her native Russia at the end of January. "Sometimes the right decisions aren't always the easiest ones," she said in a post on her Instagram account. "In better news, I have returned to the practice court, and slowly building the strength back in my shoulder," she added with a picture of her lifting the Roland Garros trophy in 2014. In February the world number 35 said she had undergone a small procedure to fix a long-standing shoulder problem. The former world number one had missed out on a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January. Sharapova has been struggling back to top fitness since watching from the sidelines during her 15-month doping ban that ended in 2017. This year's French Open will run from May 26 until June 9, with Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep as defending champions

Maria Sharapova pulls out of French Open due to shoulder injury

Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled off one of the biggest wins of his short but remarkable career by beating Rafael Nadal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 on Spanish soil on Saturday to book his place in the Madrid Open final against world number one Novak Djokovic.

Tsitsipas, 20, had never won a set in his previous three meetings against claycourt specialist and 11-times French Open champion Nadal, but the Greek drew first blood by saving a break point to hold in the 10th game and take the first set.

He broke Nadal six times in the epic three-setter played late into the Madrid night, lasting two hours and 34 minutes, while saving 11 of the 16 break points he conceded to his opponent.

Before Nadal met Tsitsipas, he had won 26 of 27 service games in this year's Madrid Open, and the Spaniard had breezed past the youngster in the Barcelona Open final last season and this year's Australian Open semi-finals.

Nadal won the second set and looked to have the physical edge over his opponent, who has also been playing doubles in Madrid.

But Tsitsipas, the NextGen ATP finals champion, came back stronger in the decider with impressive court coverage and broke Nadal to take a 5-2 lead although he could not immediately serve out for the match.

He earned repeated match points in the next game when Nadal was serving and after the Spaniard had dug deep to save three of them he could only find the net on the fourth.

Tsitsipas dropped his racket and put his hands to his face to savour his first victory over the titan of claycourt tennis, completing a clean sweep of wins over Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer in less than 10 months.

"Unbelievable feeling"

Nadal, meanwhile, was left reflecting on a third straight semi-final exit on clay after losing to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters and Dominic Thiem in the Barcelona Open.

"It means the world, it's really nice to be able to play this way, it's an unbelievable feeling," Tsitsipas told reporters.

"I had to show mental discipline and being tough and decisive in those crucial moments was key, I had to take all opportunities because Rafa is a fighter, he doesn't give you many points."

Djokovic reached the final after seeing off last year's runner-up Dominic Thiem 7-6(2) 7-6(4) in a gruelling, high-quality match lasting two hours 22 minutes.

Tsitsipas beat Djokovic in the Rogers Cup in Toronto and was looking forward to another match with the Serbian.

"I'll have to be mentally prepared for Djokovic, I'm sure he wants the title as badly as me," he added.

Djokovic, winner in Madrid in 2011 and 2016, was fully rested after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic had withdrawn because of food poisoning, while Thiem had to dig deep to beat Roger Federer in a gruelling three-setter.

Thiem, who won the Barcelona Open last month and was on an eight-match winning streak, struck an early blow by breaking Djokovic in the fourth game but the Serbian responded by winning the next three games and saved two break points in the eighth.

The Serbian won the first tiebreak comfortably after poor shot selections from Thiem but was in trouble in the second set when he trailed 4-2.

He immediately broke back and had the chance to serve for the match at 6-5 but squandered the opportunity with a double fault.

Yet once again Djokovic had the edge in the tiebreak, earning three match points and taking the first as Thiem smashed a baseline backhand well out, booking his place in a first final since winning the Australian Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled off one of the biggest wins of his short but remarkable career by beating Rafael Nadal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 on Spanish soil on Saturday to book his place in the Madrid Open final against world number one Novak Djokovic.

Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled off one of the biggest wins of his short but remarkable career by beating Rafael Nadal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 on Spanish soil on Saturday to book his place in the Madrid Open final against world number one Novak Djokovic. Tsitsipas, 20, had never won a set in his previous three meetings against claycourt specialist and 11-times French Open champion Nadal, but the Greek drew first blood by saving a break point to hold in the 10th game and take the first set. He broke Nadal six times in the epic three-setter played late into the Madrid night, lasting two hours and 34 minutes, while saving 11 of the 16 break points he conceded to his opponent. Before Nadal met Tsitsipas, he had won 26 of 27 service games in this year's Madrid Open, and the Spaniard had breezed past the youngster in the Barcelona Open final last season and this year's Australian Open semi-finals. Nadal won the second set and looked to have the physical edge over his opponent, who has also been playing doubles in Madrid. But Tsitsipas, the NextGen ATP finals champion, came back stronger in the decider with impressive court coverage and broke Nadal to take a 5-2 lead although he could not immediately serve out for the match. He earned repeated match points in the next game when Nadal was serving and after the Spaniard had dug deep to save three of them he could only find the net on the fourth. Tsitsipas dropped his racket and put his hands to his face to savour his first victory over the titan of claycourt tennis, completing a clean sweep of wins over Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer in less than 10 months. "Unbelievable feeling" Nadal, meanwhile, was left reflecting on a third straight semi-final exit on clay after losing to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters and Dominic Thiem in the Barcelona Open. "It means the world, it's really nice to be able to play this way, it's an unbelievable feeling," Tsitsipas told reporters. "I had to show mental discipline and being tough and decisive in those crucial moments was key, I had to take all opportunities because Rafa is a fighter, he doesn't give you many points." Djokovic reached the final after seeing off last year's runner-up Dominic Thiem 7-6(2) 7-6(4) in a gruelling, high-quality match lasting two hours 22 minutes. Tsitsipas beat Djokovic in the Rogers Cup in Toronto and was looking forward to another match with the Serbian. "I'll have to be mentally prepared for Djokovic, I'm sure he wants the title as badly as me," he added. Djokovic, winner in Madrid in 2011 and 2016, was fully rested after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic had withdrawn because of food poisoning, while Thiem had to dig deep to beat Roger Federer in a gruelling three-setter. Thiem, who won the Barcelona Open last month and was on an eight-match winning streak, struck an early blow by breaking Djokovic in the fourth game but the Serbian responded by winning the next three games and saved two break points in the eighth. The Serbian won the first tiebreak comfortably after poor shot selections from Thiem but was in trouble in the second set when he trailed 4-2. He immediately broke back and had the chance to serve for the match at 6-5 but squandered the opportunity with a double fault. Yet once again Djokovic had the edge in the tiebreak, earning three match points and taking the first as Thiem smashed a baseline backhand well out, booking his place in a first final since winning the Australian Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas comes of age to beat Rafael Nadal and reach Madrid final

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-reaches-madrid-open-semi-finals-after-maran-cilics-food-poisoning-withdrawal-217505">Madrid Open</a> quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi.

Second-seeded Spaniard Nadal made light work of Wawrinka in the night session, looking back to his best after a disappointing semi-final exit at the Barcelona Open and suffering a virus earlier this week.

A five-time winner in Madrid, Nadal reached the semi-finals for the 11th time when Wawrinka's attempted backhand return hit the net.

"It was one of my best games for some time," said Nadal.

In earlier action, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dominic-thiem-ousts-roger-federer-in-madrid-open-thriller-to-reach-semis-217625">Dominic Thiem edged past Roger Federer</a> 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals

The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning.

Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving.

He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday.

The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tiebreak finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire.

Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tiebreak, saving two match points to force a decider.

Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third.

Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match.

Tsitsipas played a steady game to beat last year's winner Zverev, who made 14 unforced errors in the opening set.

Zverev roared back in the second but double-faulted twice serving at 1-2 down in the decisive third, with Tsitsipas breaking and striding to victory in the battle between two of the sport's young talents.

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last Madrid Open quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi.

Rafael Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2 in the last Madrid Open quarter-final Friday to set up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, who edged Alexander Zverev 7-5 3-6 6-2, in the other semi. Second-seeded Spaniard Nadal made light work of Wawrinka in the night session, looking back to his best after a disappointing semi-final exit at the Barcelona Open and suffering a virus earlier this week. A five-time winner in Madrid, Nadal reached the semi-finals for the 11th time when Wawrinka's attempted backhand return hit the net. "It was one of my best games for some time," said Nadal. In earlier action, Dominic Thiem edged past Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning. Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving. He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday. The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tiebreak finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire. Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tiebreak, saving two match points to force a decider. Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third. Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match. Tsitsipas played a steady game to beat last year's winner Zverev, who made 14 unforced errors in the opening set. Zverev roared back in the second but double-faulted twice serving at 1-2 down in the decisive third, with Tsitsipas breaking and striding to victory in the battle between two of the sport's young talents.

Rafael Nadal breezes past Stan Wawrinka and into Madrid Open semi-finals

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-survives-match-points-to-beat-gael-monfils-reaches-madrid-open-quarter-finals-217442&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTv7_a7ZDiAhXC63MBHbZsCygQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pQmCQaHu6npgnztShcv2R">Madrid Open</a> semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday.

"Dear fans, Madrid Open organisers, Novak Djokovic, I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today’s match," said&nbsp;Croatian&nbsp;Cilic on Twitter.

"I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support", his tweet read.

Djokovic, in his 250th week at the top of the men’s ATP rankings, will face either Roger Federer or Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Saturday.

The Serbian, who triumphed in the Spanish capital in 2011 and 2016, beat Taylor Fritz and Jeremy Chardy in the second and third rounds.

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the Madrid Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday.

World number one Novak Djokovic automatically progressed to the Madrid Open semi-finals after his quarter-final opponent Marin Cilic was forced to withdraw because of food poisoning on Friday. "Dear fans, Madrid Open organisers, Novak Djokovic, I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today’s match," said Croatian Cilic on Twitter. "I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support", his tweet read. Djokovic, in his 250th week at the top of the men’s ATP rankings, will face either Roger Federer or Dominic Thiem in the semi-final on Saturday. The Serbian, who triumphed in the Spanish capital in 2011 and 2016, beat Taylor Fritz and Jeremy Chardy in the second and third rounds.

Novak Djokovic reaches Madrid Open semi-finals after Maran Cilic's food poisoning withdrawal

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

He was joined in the last eight by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-beats-felix-auger-aliassime-in-straight-sets-qualifies-for-quarter-finals-at-madrid-open-217224&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwik-OX0s5DiAhXEheYKHVGPAwIQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CXvC5FidMaomP_QkG9c_L">five-times Madrid champion Rafael Nadal</a> and world number one Novak Djokovic.

The evergreen Federer did not drop a game in a dominant first set but was dragged into an intense battle by an inspired Monfils before prevailing 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(3).

World number three Federer, playing his first tournament on clay for three years as he prepares for the French Open, surrendered the initiative after his brisk start and was in deep trouble in the third set when he trailed 4-1.

Federer struggled with his timing on occasions in breezy, sunny conditions and swatted a ball angrily over the stands when he dropped serve at the start of the decider.

But the 37-year-old Swiss broke back in the seventh game with a stunning sliced backhand return.

Monfils earned a match point at 5-6 on the Federer serve with an ice-cool backhand pass, but Federer followed in a second serve and bounced away from a smash.

Federer saved another match point to set up a tiebreak and he proved unstoppable as he swept to his 1,200th match win.

Austrian Dominic Thiem, a beaten finalist in Madrid last year, awaits in the next round after he beat Italian Fabio Fognini.

"I think Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated losing the first set.&nbsp;I lost five games in a row and it didn't look good for a while but I hung in. There were some highly stressful moments but I mixed it up nicely",&nbsp;Federer said.

Federer's fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, champion at Roland Garros in 2015, continued to produce some vintage form as he beat Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6(3).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-extends-lead-as-world-no1-fabio-fognini-climbs-rankings-212554&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi77vqctJDiAhVd4HMBHWl_CUYQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vO38gK_1u4IKTw8EezypB">World number one Djokovic</a> was untroubled as he beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1 7-6(2) to set up a clash against Marin Cilic after the Croatian battled past Serbian Laslo Djere 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Spaniard Nadal, who later this month will aim for a 12th French Open, swept past unseeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 while defending champion Alexander Zverev defeated Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 6-4 6-4.

 
&nbsp;

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open on Thursday. He was joined in the last eight by five-times Madrid champion Rafael Nadal and world number one Novak Djokovic. The evergreen Federer did not drop a game in a dominant first set but was dragged into an intense battle by an inspired Monfils before prevailing 6-0, 4-6, 7-6(3). World number three Federer, playing his first tournament on clay for three years as he prepares for the French Open, surrendered the initiative after his brisk start and was in deep trouble in the third set when he trailed 4-1. Federer struggled with his timing on occasions in breezy, sunny conditions and swatted a ball angrily over the stands when he dropped serve at the start of the decider. But the 37-year-old Swiss broke back in the seventh game with a stunning sliced backhand return. Monfils earned a match point at 5-6 on the Federer serve with an ice-cool backhand pass, but Federer followed in a second serve and bounced away from a smash. Federer saved another match point to set up a tiebreak and he proved unstoppable as he swept to his 1,200th match win. Austrian Dominic Thiem, a beaten finalist in Madrid last year, awaits in the next round after he beat Italian Fabio Fognini. "I think Gael did a nice job of not being frustrated losing the first set. I lost five games in a row and it didn't look good for a while but I hung in. There were some highly stressful moments but I mixed it up nicely", Federer said. Federer's fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, champion at Roland Garros in 2015, continued to produce some vintage form as he beat Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6(3). World number one Djokovic was untroubled as he beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1 7-6(2) to set up a clash against Marin Cilic after the Croatian battled past Serbian Laslo Djere 4-6 6-3 6-2. Spaniard Nadal, who later this month will aim for a 12th French Open, swept past unseeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 while defending champion Alexander Zverev defeated Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 6-4 6-4.

Roger Federer survives match points to beat Gael Monfils; reaches Madrid Open quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal who is aiming for a sixth Madrid Open title on Wednesday defeated Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets.

Playing on familiar territory, the Spaniard relied on his defence to bog down Aliassime's aggressive tactics.

After spending some time on the court, the Spaniard started unleashing his serves to which Aliassime had no replies.

"It's a day to be very satisfied, very happy. I managed to win. I managed to win in two sets against an opponent, who was not easy, and the day was not the best. It was windy and cold. Of course, there have been positive things. I think that my backhand has been really going well and other things. There are many things to improve, of course," Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) quoted Nadal as saying.

Nadal, who will be chasing his 18th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros easily took the first set 6-3 and Aliassime finished with 30 unforced errors, including 16 forehands.

The 18-year-old Aliassime sought recovery in the second set, but Nadal proved too much for him.

The Spanish player won 76 per cent of his service points (34/45) and easily took the second set as well, winning the match 6-3, 6-3.

Nadal who was battling a stomach bug on Sunday was able to make a triumphant return in the match against Aliassime.

"The important thing is to win, especially given what`s happened in the last three days," Nadal said.

"The first seven games I didn't have a lot of rhythm. Both him and I, we were struggling when returning the balls. We had a lot of first serves and returning was very difficult... I managed to do a break, and from there onwards, it`s a turning point. I think I started to return a little bit better from thereon. And I did things better than him," he added.

Nadal will take on Australian Open quarter-finalist Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals of Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal who is aiming for a sixth Madrid Open title on Wednesday defeated Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. Playing on familiar territory, the Spaniard relied on his defence to bog down Aliassime's aggressive tactics.

Rafael Nadal who is aiming for a sixth Madrid Open title on Wednesday defeated Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets. Playing on familiar territory, the Spaniard relied on his defence to bog down Aliassime's aggressive tactics. After spending some time on the court, the Spaniard started unleashing his serves to which Aliassime had no replies. "It's a day to be very satisfied, very happy. I managed to win. I managed to win in two sets against an opponent, who was not easy, and the day was not the best. It was windy and cold. Of course, there have been positive things. I think that my backhand has been really going well and other things. There are many things to improve, of course," Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) quoted Nadal as saying. Nadal, who will be chasing his 18th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros easily took the first set 6-3 and Aliassime finished with 30 unforced errors, including 16 forehands. The 18-year-old Aliassime sought recovery in the second set, but Nadal proved too much for him. The Spanish player won 76 per cent of his service points (34/45) and easily took the second set as well, winning the match 6-3, 6-3. Nadal who was battling a stomach bug on Sunday was able to make a triumphant return in the match against Aliassime. "The important thing is to win, especially given what`s happened in the last three days," Nadal said. "The first seven games I didn't have a lot of rhythm. Both him and I, we were struggling when returning the balls. We had a lot of first serves and returning was very difficult... I managed to do a break, and from there onwards, it`s a turning point. I think I started to return a little bit better from thereon. And I did things better than him," he added. Nadal will take on Australian Open quarter-finalist Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals of Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal beats Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, qualifies for quarter-finals at Madrid Open

Eleven-times champion Rafael Nadal booked his place in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open semi-finals by beating German Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-5 in a hard-fought match on Friday.

The world number two will meet Dominic Thiem in the last four in a rematch of last year's French Open final after the Austrian overpowered Argentine Guido Pella 7-5, 6-2.

Struff, ranked 51st in the world and a renowned doubles player, had impressed in Barcelona by knocking out 10th seed David Goffin and last year's runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas and was facing Nadal for the first time in a competitive match.

The Mallorcan broke to take a 3-1 lead with a powerful forehand winner down the line but Struff broke back to make it 4-4.

Nadal broke his opponent for a second time to avoid a tiebreak and take the set.

Neither player gave much away in a finely balanced second set, and Struff saved a break point in the eighth game to keep things finely balanced, but Nadal was saving his best tennis for the 12th game.

Nadal quickly earned three match points and seized the second with a magnificent backhand down the line to end the match in one hour and 43 minutes.

"Me and my coaches knew he (Struff) was going to play aggressively, it was one of those matches where every point counts, he put me under a lot of pressure so I had to play through that but my serve was solid throughout," Nadal said.

"I'm aware that I was facing someone who has beaten Tsitsipas and Goffin this week so I'm very happy that I was able to win."

Nadal won a five-set thriller against Thiem in their last meeting, in the quarter-finals of the 2018 US Open, having beaten him in straight sets in the final at Roland Garros.

Thiem won his last meeting with Nadal on Spanish soil, however, knocking the Spaniard out of last year's Madrid Open in the quarter-finals in straight sets.

Japan's Kei Nishikori also made it into the last four after seeing off Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 7-5 and will face Russian Daniil Medvedev, who knocked out Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 6-4.

Eleven-times champion Rafael Nadal booked his place in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open semi-finals by beating German Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-5 in a hard-fought match on Friday.

Eleven-times champion Rafael Nadal booked his place in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open semi-finals by beating German Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 7-5 in a hard-fought match on Friday. The world number two will meet Dominic Thiem in the last four in a rematch of last year's French Open final after the Austrian overpowered Argentine Guido Pella 7-5, 6-2. Struff, ranked 51st in the world and a renowned doubles player, had impressed in Barcelona by knocking out 10th seed David Goffin and last year's runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas and was facing Nadal for the first time in a competitive match. The Mallorcan broke to take a 3-1 lead with a powerful forehand winner down the line but Struff broke back to make it 4-4. Nadal broke his opponent for a second time to avoid a tiebreak and take the set. Neither player gave much away in a finely balanced second set, and Struff saved a break point in the eighth game to keep things finely balanced, but Nadal was saving his best tennis for the 12th game. Nadal quickly earned three match points and seized the second with a magnificent backhand down the line to end the match in one hour and 43 minutes. "Me and my coaches knew he (Struff) was going to play aggressively, it was one of those matches where every point counts, he put me under a lot of pressure so I had to play through that but my serve was solid throughout," Nadal said. "I'm aware that I was facing someone who has beaten Tsitsipas and Goffin this week so I'm very happy that I was able to win." Nadal won a five-set thriller against Thiem in their last meeting, in the quarter-finals of the 2018 US Open, having beaten him in straight sets in the final at Roland Garros. Thiem won his last meeting with Nadal on Spanish soil, however, knocking the Spaniard out of last year's Madrid Open in the quarter-finals in straight sets. Japan's Kei Nishikori also made it into the last four after seeing off Roberto Carballes Baena 6-4, 7-5 and will face Russian Daniil Medvedev, who knocked out Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 6-4.

Rafael Nadal reaches Barcelona semis with hard-earned win over Jan-Lennard Struff

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-reaches-barcelona-semis-with-hard-earned-win-over-jan-lennard-struff-213805">Rafael Nadal</a> out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.&nbsp;

The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match.&nbsp;

Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US&nbsp;Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open.&nbsp;

The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set.&nbsp;

He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points.&nbsp;

Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire.&nbsp;

He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title.

Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game.

Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider.

Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable.

But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand.

Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final. The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match. Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open. The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set. He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points. Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire. He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title. Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game. Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider. Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable. But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand. Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem stuns Rafael Nadal to reach Barcelona final

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3.

Nadal will meet Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight after the German claimed his second big scalp of the week by overcoming last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2 after knocking out 10th seed David Goffin the day before.

Japan's Kei Nishikori eased into the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Felix Auger Aliassime and will play the only other remaining Spaniard in the tournament Roberto Carballes Baena who saw off Chilean Christian Garin in straight sets.

World number two and 11-times Barcelona champion Nadal had produced a scrappy display against Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday, losing a set for the first time in four years at the tournament, but he showed more spark and composure against Ferrer.

Nadal broke the 37-year-old Ferrer, who will retire from the game next month after the Madrid Open, in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead in the opener but play was halted due to rain with the score at 5-3.

Nadal promptly saw out the set when play resumed and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second but then lost a service game, which made it 2-2.

The Mallorcan broke again and then took a 5-3 lead, spurning three match points due to two marginal calls which left him visibly annoyed with the line judge.

Nadal finally closed the match out at the fourth opportunity as Ferrer could only find the net.

TRIBUTES FOR FERRER

Nadal led fans in applauding Ferrer as the defeat signalled his last appearance at the Barcelona Open.

"Losing to Rafa makes me proud, I'm happy with the game as I did what I could, I gave everything I had but I tip my hat to Rafa," Ferrer said.

"It was difficult, I started well but the court was slower when the rain started coming down, that damaged me but I still played a competitive game."

Nadal paid tribute to Ferrer, who he beat in the 2013 French Open final, and was pleased with his own display.

"It's his decision but on a tennis level he doesn't have to retire, he's struggled with injuries but he is playing very well this year. After all his years fighting and giving us all joy he deserves the reception he got," Nadal said.

"I had to improve on yesterday, not just the result but overall. This was important for David but for me it was important to do better and play with more energy than yesterday I did that so I can go back to my hotel feeling much happier."

Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who beat highly-fancied world number three Alexander Zverev already this week, claimed another high-profile victory by beating Grigor Dimitrov 2-6 6-4 7-6(2).

Jarry will face Daniil Medvedev of Russia while third seed Dominic Thiem will play against Argentine Guido Pella after the Austrian enjoyed a comfortable straight-sets win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3.

Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance to advance into the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open, dispatching Spanish compatriot and crowd favourite David Ferrer 6-3 6-3. Nadal will meet Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight after the German claimed his second big scalp of the week by overcoming last year's finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2 after knocking out 10th seed David Goffin the day before. Japan's Kei Nishikori eased into the last eight with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Felix Auger Aliassime and will play the only other remaining Spaniard in the tournament Roberto Carballes Baena who saw off Chilean Christian Garin in straight sets. World number two and 11-times Barcelona champion Nadal had produced a scrappy display against Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday, losing a set for the first time in four years at the tournament, but he showed more spark and composure against Ferrer. Nadal broke the 37-year-old Ferrer, who will retire from the game next month after the Madrid Open, in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead in the opener but play was halted due to rain with the score at 5-3. Nadal promptly saw out the set when play resumed and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second but then lost a service game, which made it 2-2. The Mallorcan broke again and then took a 5-3 lead, spurning three match points due to two marginal calls which left him visibly annoyed with the line judge. Nadal finally closed the match out at the fourth opportunity as Ferrer could only find the net. TRIBUTES FOR FERRER Nadal led fans in applauding Ferrer as the defeat signalled his last appearance at the Barcelona Open. "Losing to Rafa makes me proud, I'm happy with the game as I did what I could, I gave everything I had but I tip my hat to Rafa," Ferrer said. "It was difficult, I started well but the court was slower when the rain started coming down, that damaged me but I still played a competitive game." Nadal paid tribute to Ferrer, who he beat in the 2013 French Open final, and was pleased with his own display. "It's his decision but on a tennis level he doesn't have to retire, he's struggled with injuries but he is playing very well this year. After all his years fighting and giving us all joy he deserves the reception he got," Nadal said. "I had to improve on yesterday, not just the result but overall. This was important for David but for me it was important to do better and play with more energy than yesterday I did that so I can go back to my hotel feeling much happier." Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who beat highly-fancied world number three Alexander Zverev already this week, claimed another high-profile victory by beating Grigor Dimitrov 2-6 6-4 7-6(2). Jarry will face Daniil Medvedev of Russia while third seed Dominic Thiem will play against Argentine Guido Pella after the Austrian enjoyed a comfortable straight-sets win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.

Rafael Nadal shines in comfortable victory over David Ferrer in Barcelona

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked&nbsp;frustrated as his&nbsp;bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended.&nbsp;

He was unhappy in the aftermath of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-crashes-out-to-fognini-in-monte-carlo-semi-finals-212128">surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini</a> in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.&nbsp;

He said that the loss as 'one of the worst matches' he'd played on clay in 14 years.&nbsp;

In the post-match presentation, Rafa said, "Was a bad feeling. Was a tough day and was a difficult opponent. I am coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side have been not easy to accept all the things that have been going on during the last times."

He added, "So just was this kind of day that everything was wrong. I probably played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years."

Fognini won 6-4, 6-2 to bring to an end Nadal's 18-match winning run in Monte Carlo.

After losing the first set 6-4, Nadal then lost the first five games of the second set with Fognini easing through to the final against another surprise name, Dusan Lajovic of Serbia.

The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017.

"So when that happens, you have to lose. And today I deserve to lose because I played against a player that was better than me today," he concluded. &nbsp;

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked frustrated as his bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended. He was unhappy in the aftermath of his surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Former world number one Rafael Nadal looked frustrated as his bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title ended. He was unhappy in the aftermath of his surprise defeat to Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. He said that the loss as 'one of the worst matches' he'd played on clay in 14 years. In the post-match presentation, Rafa said, "Was a bad feeling. Was a tough day and was a difficult opponent. I am coming from low moments in terms of injuries, and in terms of the mental side have been not easy to accept all the things that have been going on during the last times." He added, "So just was this kind of day that everything was wrong. I probably played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years." Fognini won 6-4, 6-2 to bring to an end Nadal's 18-match winning run in Monte Carlo. After losing the first set 6-4, Nadal then lost the first five games of the second set with Fognini easing through to the final against another surprise name, Dusan Lajovic of Serbia. The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017. "So when that happens, you have to lose. And today I deserve to lose because I played against a player that was better than me today," he concluded.

'Played one of the worst matches on clay in 14 years': Rafael Nadal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title.

The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's unscripted final.

Fognini, who beat Nadal three times all on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two.

The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017.

Fognini ended Nadal's Monte Carlo reign on the fifth match point.

Rafael Nadal crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title.

Rafael Nadal crashed to Fabio Fognini in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals on Saturday, the Spanish clay court king swept aside 6-4, 6-2, to end his bid for a 12th title. The shock result leaves Italian 13th seed Fognini facing unseeded Serb Dusan Lajovic in Sunday's unscripted final. Fognini, who beat Nadal three times all on clay in 2015, stopped a 25-set win streak in the principality for the world number two. The last man to take a set off Nadal in Monte Carlo was Britain's Kyle Edmund in 2017. Fognini ended Nadal's Monte Carlo reign on the fifth match point.

Rafael Nadal crashes out to Fognini in Monte Carlo semi-finals

Second seed Rafa Nadal was forced to work hard for his 18th straight match win at the Monte Carlo Country Club as he fought back to beat Argentine Guido Pella 7-6(1), 6-3 in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

The 11-times champion made a sluggish start and was one point away from 1-5 deficit in the opening set but recovered well to convert seven of his 13 break-point opportunities and advance after two hours and 20 minutes.

"It was a very tough first set physically and mentally, too. Losing the first three games with my serve was tough. But I found a way at the right time," world number two Nadal said.

"I was lucky at 4-1, he had two points to be 5-1 and with 5-1 it's almost impossible. Then I played better. Being in the semi-finals again here means a lot to me."

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-and-zverev-dominate-in-monte-carlo-nishikori-out-211245&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiXioDWgt7hAhV773MBHQB7A2QQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hmQFXYi6gcLi_cdT8TVc7">Nadal </a>has now won 25 consecutive sets on Court Rainier III since dropping one in his opening match in 2017 to Briton Kyle Edmund.

Second seed Rafa Nadal was forced to work hard for his 18th straight match win at the Monte Carlo Country Club as he fought back to beat Argentine Guido Pella 7-6(1), 6-3 in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19).

Second seed Rafa Nadal was forced to work hard for his 18th straight match win at the Monte Carlo Country Club as he fought back to beat Argentine Guido Pella 7-6(1), 6-3 in the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals on Friday (April 19). The 11-times champion made a sluggish start and was one point away from 1-5 deficit in the opening set but recovered well to convert seven of his 13 break-point opportunities and advance after two hours and 20 minutes. "It was a very tough first set physically and mentally, too. Losing the first three games with my serve was tough. But I found a way at the right time," world number two Nadal said. "I was lucky at 4-1, he had two points to be 5-1 and with 5-1 it's almost impossible. Then I played better. Being in the semi-finals again here means a lot to me." Nadal has now won 25 consecutive sets on Court Rainier III since dropping one in his opening match in 2017 to Briton Kyle Edmund.

Nadal beats Pella in chase for a record-extending 12th Monte Carlo title

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17).

Nadal claimed five break points in the match and broke serve five times on his way to beating Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1.

The 11-time champion in Monte Carlo showed the kind of form that means any opponent is going to have to play exceptionally well to stop him winning a 12th title at the upcoming French in May.

Nadal moved into the last 16 of the Masters where he will face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

Germany's Alexander Zverev was also dominant in his victory over fellow up-and-comer, 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, beating the Canadian 6-1, 6-4.

21-year-old Zverev raced through the first set, but Auger-Aliassime won impressive points in the second that suggested this could be a rivalry tennis fans might get used to in the coming years.

Zverev won six break points in the match and made consistent returns of serve, keeping the pressure on Auger-Aliassime.

The German will now face Italy's Fabio Fognini in the round of 16 on Thursday (April 18).

Fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan was beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5 6-4 in a hard fought match.

The 28-year-old Frenchman won 81 percent of points on his first serve and broke twice, while Nishikori struggled to find consistency on his opening serve.

Herbert will take on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round.

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17).

Rafa Nadal once again proved his clay court dominance when he swept aside fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 17). Nadal claimed five break points in the match and broke serve five times on his way to beating Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1. The 11-time champion in Monte Carlo showed the kind of form that means any opponent is going to have to play exceptionally well to stop him winning a 12th title at the upcoming French in May. Nadal moved into the last 16 of the Masters where he will face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. Germany's Alexander Zverev was also dominant in his victory over fellow up-and-comer, 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, beating the Canadian 6-1, 6-4. 21-year-old Zverev raced through the first set, but Auger-Aliassime won impressive points in the second that suggested this could be a rivalry tennis fans might get used to in the coming years. Zverev won six break points in the match and made consistent returns of serve, keeping the pressure on Auger-Aliassime. The German will now face Italy's Fabio Fognini in the round of 16 on Thursday (April 18). Fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan was beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5 6-4 in a hard fought match. The 28-year-old Frenchman won 81 percent of points on his first serve and broke twice, while Nishikori struggled to find consistency on his opening serve. Herbert will take on Borna Coric of Croatia in the third round.

Nadal and Zverev dominate in Monte Carlo, Nishikori out

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

Nicolas Almagro chose his hometown tournament in Murcia to announce his retirement from tennis on Monday.

Once ranked in the top 10 and an earner of over $10 million (8.8 million euros) in career prize money, the 33-year-old has struggled badly with injury in recent seasons.

"I quit. Because in the past few years I have not been able to enjoy the sport that gave me so much, that gave me so many wonderful moments and that has made my dreams come true," he wrote on Twitter.

Almagro was overshadowed for much of his career by countryman Rafael Nadal, to whom he lost in three French Open quarter-finals.

"I'm happy that the end comes here at a tournament which means so much to me," he said of the clay-court event on the secondary ATP Challenger circuit.

Almagro won 13 tournaments and also helped Spain to a Davis Cup triumph in 2008.

Nicolas Almagro chose his hometown tournament in Murcia to announce his retirement from tennis on Monday. Once ranked in the top 10 and an earner of over $10 million (8.

Nicolas Almagro chose his hometown tournament in Murcia to announce his retirement from tennis on Monday. Once ranked in the top 10 and an earner of over $10 million (8.8 million euros) in career prize money, the 33-year-old has struggled badly with injury in recent seasons. "I quit. Because in the past few years I have not been able to enjoy the sport that gave me so much, that gave me so many wonderful moments and that has made my dreams come true," he wrote on Twitter. Almagro was overshadowed for much of his career by countryman Rafael Nadal, to whom he lost in three French Open quarter-finals. "I'm happy that the end comes here at a tournament which means so much to me," he said of the clay-court event on the secondary ATP Challenger circuit. Almagro won 13 tournaments and also helped Spain to a Davis Cup triumph in 2008.

Rafael Nadal rival Nicolas Almagro retires at hometown event

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday.

Federer needed just over an hour to dispatch Briton Kyle Edmund 6-1 6-4 in their first career meeting and reach the quarter-finals on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells.

Next up for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is another unknown quantity in Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 earlier in the day to set up his first career meeting with the Swiss Master.

Nadal, 17 times a Grand Slam winner, ruthlessly put an end to Serbian qualifier Filip Krajinovic's run at the tournament, converting three of his four break point opportunities to advance 6-3 6-4.

Neither Federer or Nadal have dropped a set in their three matches at Indian Wells, a tournament Federer has won five times and Nadal three.

In other fourth-round action, hard-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic saved all three of Jan-Lennard Struff's break point opportunities to down the German 6-4 6-3.

The 13th seed will square off against either France's Gael Monfils or Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday. Federer needed just over an hour to dispatch Briton Kyle Edmund 6-1 6-4 in their first career meeting and reach the quarter-finals on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells. Next up for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is another unknown quantity in Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 earlier in the day to set up his first career meeting with the Swiss Master. Nadal, 17 times a Grand Slam winner, ruthlessly put an end to Serbian qualifier Filip Krajinovic's run at the tournament, converting three of his four break point opportunities to advance 6-3 6-4. Neither Federer or Nadal have dropped a set in their three matches at Indian Wells, a tournament Federer has won five times and Nadal three. In other fourth-round action, hard-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic saved all three of Jan-Lennard Struff's break point opportunities to down the German 6-4 6-3. The 13th seed will square off against either France's Gael Monfils or Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal roll into quarters at Indian Wells

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday.

Nadal, a three-time Indian Wells winner, needed just 72 minutes to get past overmatched Jared Donaldson, 6-1, 6-1.

Federer, who is seeking to break out of a tie with top seed Novak Djokovic for most titles in the California desert, looked set for a similarly easy time of it, but had to turn back a second-set challenge from German Peter Gojowczyk in a 6-1, 7-5 win.

Fourth-seeded Federer said he was relieved not to go to a second-set tiebreaker after falling behind 3-1 to the free-swinging German, who is ranked 85th in the world.

The Swiss regained the break and, after saving four break points to make it 4-4, cruised home.

"I struggled a little bit with my serving in that second set and that gave him chances. Because he was serving better, he started to swing more freely and then it was tough," Federer said.&nbsp;

"I'm really happy I found a way in that second set."

Federer next faces compatriot Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion currently unseeded as he continues his return from injury.

Wawrinka won a taut thriller against 29th-seeded Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, finally sealing it on his fifth match point after three hours and 24 minutes when Fucsovics lofted a lob long.

'Positive step'

Nadal, playing his third tournament of a year that started with a crushing loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final and included an early exit in Acapulco, converted five of his six break chances against Donaldson and never faced a break point himself.

He next faces Diego Schwartzman, who beat Spain's Roberto Carballes, 6-3, 6-1. Nadal is 6-0 against the Argentine.

"Today was a very positive step for me, and the next one is going to be against a player that we know each other very well -- we practiced a lot of times, and we played some tough matches," Nadal said.&nbsp;

"It's going to be a tough one against Diego," he added, calling Schwartzman "one of the best talents of the sport today."

In other early matches, sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan survived a scare in a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over France's Adrian Mannarino.

Mannarino, ranked 52nd in the world, served for the match at 6-5 in the third.

He couldn't muster a match point and double-faulted on break point, and that was enough of a window for Nishikori.

"I think in the tiebreak I played the best tennis of the match. I was really focused," said Nishikori, who opened 2019 with a title in Brisbane and then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Nishikori next faces 67th-ranked Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, who defeated France's Lucas Pouille, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

Eighth-seeded American John Isner routed Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin, 6-0, 6-2, the most lopsided win of Isner's career.

He'll play Guido Pella, who won his first title at Sao Paulo last week. Pella ended the hopes of another Aussie qualifier, Alex Bolt, 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3.

Tenth-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic downed Serbian Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-4 to book a meeting with 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 24th seed who beat American Steve Johnson, 6-3, 6-4.

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday.

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday. Nadal, a three-time Indian Wells winner, needed just 72 minutes to get past overmatched Jared Donaldson, 6-1, 6-1. Federer, who is seeking to break out of a tie with top seed Novak Djokovic for most titles in the California desert, looked set for a similarly easy time of it, but had to turn back a second-set challenge from German Peter Gojowczyk in a 6-1, 7-5 win. Fourth-seeded Federer said he was relieved not to go to a second-set tiebreaker after falling behind 3-1 to the free-swinging German, who is ranked 85th in the world. The Swiss regained the break and, after saving four break points to make it 4-4, cruised home. "I struggled a little bit with my serving in that second set and that gave him chances. Because he was serving better, he started to swing more freely and then it was tough," Federer said. "I'm really happy I found a way in that second set." Federer next faces compatriot Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion currently unseeded as he continues his return from injury. Wawrinka won a taut thriller against 29th-seeded Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, finally sealing it on his fifth match point after three hours and 24 minutes when Fucsovics lofted a lob long. 'Positive step' Nadal, playing his third tournament of a year that started with a crushing loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final and included an early exit in Acapulco, converted five of his six break chances against Donaldson and never faced a break point himself. He next faces Diego Schwartzman, who beat Spain's Roberto Carballes, 6-3, 6-1. Nadal is 6-0 against the Argentine. "Today was a very positive step for me, and the next one is going to be against a player that we know each other very well -- we practiced a lot of times, and we played some tough matches," Nadal said. "It's going to be a tough one against Diego," he added, calling Schwartzman "one of the best talents of the sport today." In other early matches, sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan survived a scare in a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over France's Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino, ranked 52nd in the world, served for the match at 6-5 in the third. He couldn't muster a match point and double-faulted on break point, and that was enough of a window for Nishikori. "I think in the tiebreak I played the best tennis of the match. I was really focused," said Nishikori, who opened 2019 with a title in Brisbane and then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. Nishikori next faces 67th-ranked Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, who defeated France's Lucas Pouille, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Eighth-seeded American John Isner routed Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin, 6-0, 6-2, the most lopsided win of Isner's career. He'll play Guido Pella, who won his first title at Sao Paulo last week. Pella ended the hopes of another Aussie qualifier, Alex Bolt, 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3. Tenth-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic downed Serbian Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-4 to book a meeting with 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 24th seed who beat American Steve Johnson, 6-3, 6-4.

Past champions Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer advance at Indian Wells

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Rafael+Nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open.

Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals.

However, 17-time major winner Nadal was furious with Kyrgios who at one stage complained of being sick, served underarm late in the match before cupping his ear to the boos of the crowd at the conclusion of the second round tie.

"He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking," said Nadal.

"But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself."

Kyrgios, ranked 72 in the world, hit back at Nadal.

"I'm different, Rafa's different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn't know the journey I have been on, he doesn't know anything about me," said Kyrgios who famously stunned Nadal as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014.

"I am not going to listen at all. That's the way I play. The way he plays is very slow between points.

"I've got my game, he's got his game. People are different, that's the sport."

Nadal, playing his first tournament since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, had three chances to close out Wednesday's match after taking a 6-3 lead in the third-set tiebreaker.

Kyrgios saved the first with a leaping drop shot, and the second with a net-skimming volley.

Nadal was just wide with a passing shot to make it 6-6, double-faulted to give Kyrgios a chance and sailed a backhand long to end the match after three hours and three minutes.

Kyrgios screamed and dropped to the court in celebration -- a conclusion that seemed unlikely when he complained to a trainer after the opening set that he was feeling ill but feared the fallout should he retire.

Kyrgios steeled himself to continue, and distractions seemed forgotten as he became absorbed in the battle.

Down 0-40 in the ninth game of the second set, Kyrgios saved four break points to keep the set on serve and raced to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreaker.

Kyrgios, who received treatment on his lower back before the start of the third, was in trouble again in the sixth game, but fought off five break points to stay on terms and push it to the decisive tiebreaker.

Kyrgios levelled his head-to-head record with Nadal at 3-3 and will play three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.

Switzerland's Wawrinka seeded third, belted 32 winners in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over American Steve Johnson.

Women's top seed Sloane Stephens also bowed out Wednesday, stunned by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3, 6-3.

Haddad Maia's victory over the fourth-ranked American was her first over a top-10 player in seven opportunities.

"It was just a tough match, obviously she played well," said Stephens, who is playing in Acapulco for the first time since winning the 2016 title. "A tough day. But I’m not too sad about it.

"I'm just going to go back and work some more, practice some more and get ready for Indian Wells."

Haddad Maia, 22, next faces China's Want Yafan, who was leading Monica Puig 4-1 when the Puerto Rican retired with an injury.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus sailed into the quarter-finals, downing Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1.

Azarenka fired 20 winners to Maria's 10, and took full advantage of the German's 28 unforced errors.

Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open.

Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect "for the public, the opponent and himself" after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open. Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals. However, 17-time major winner Nadal was furious with Kyrgios who at one stage complained of being sick, served underarm late in the match before cupping his ear to the boos of the crowd at the conclusion of the second round tie. "He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking," said Nadal. "But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself." Kyrgios, ranked 72 in the world, hit back at Nadal. "I'm different, Rafa's different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn't know the journey I have been on, he doesn't know anything about me," said Kyrgios who famously stunned Nadal as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014. "I am not going to listen at all. That's the way I play. The way he plays is very slow between points. "I've got my game, he's got his game. People are different, that's the sport." Nadal, playing his first tournament since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, had three chances to close out Wednesday's match after taking a 6-3 lead in the third-set tiebreaker. Kyrgios saved the first with a leaping drop shot, and the second with a net-skimming volley. Nadal was just wide with a passing shot to make it 6-6, double-faulted to give Kyrgios a chance and sailed a backhand long to end the match after three hours and three minutes. Kyrgios screamed and dropped to the court in celebration -- a conclusion that seemed unlikely when he complained to a trainer after the opening set that he was feeling ill but feared the fallout should he retire. Kyrgios steeled himself to continue, and distractions seemed forgotten as he became absorbed in the battle. Down 0-40 in the ninth game of the second set, Kyrgios saved four break points to keep the set on serve and raced to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreaker. Kyrgios, who received treatment on his lower back before the start of the third, was in trouble again in the sixth game, but fought off five break points to stay on terms and push it to the decisive tiebreaker. Kyrgios levelled his head-to-head record with Nadal at 3-3 and will play three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals. Switzerland's Wawrinka seeded third, belted 32 winners in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over American Steve Johnson. Women's top seed Sloane Stephens also bowed out Wednesday, stunned by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3, 6-3. Haddad Maia's victory over the fourth-ranked American was her first over a top-10 player in seven opportunities. "It was just a tough match, obviously she played well," said Stephens, who is playing in Acapulco for the first time since winning the 2016 title. "A tough day. But I’m not too sad about it. "I'm just going to go back and work some more, practice some more and get ready for Indian Wells." Haddad Maia, 22, next faces China's Want Yafan, who was leading Monica Puig 4-1 when the Puerto Rican retired with an injury. Former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus sailed into the quarter-finals, downing Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1. Azarenka fired 20 winners to Maria's 10, and took full advantage of the German's 28 unforced errors.

Rafael Nadal blasts Nick Kyrgios for 'lack of respect' after Acapulco defeat

Rafael Nadal showed no signs of rust in his first action in a month as the top seed easily dispatched Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-3 at the Acapulco International in Mexico on Tuesday (February 26).

Nadal, competing for the first time since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, has reached the final in all three previous appearances in Acapulco and now has a record of 15-1 in the event.

The world No. 2 faces Nick Kyrgios in the round of 16 after the Australian defeated Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-3 7-5.

Second seed Alexander Zverev lost just one point on serve in a dominant 6-3 6-3 win over Alexei Popyrin while John Isner, seeded third, recorded 18 aces in a 6-3 4-6 6-3 win over France's Adrian Mannarino.

Isner next faces fellow American Sam Querrey, who beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3 6-2.

Rafael Nadal showed no signs of rust in his first action in a month as the top seed easily dispatched Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-3 at the Acapulco International in Mexico on Tuesday (February 26).

Rafael Nadal showed no signs of rust in his first action in a month as the top seed easily dispatched Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-3 at the Acapulco International in Mexico on Tuesday (February 26). Nadal, competing for the first time since falling to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, has reached the final in all three previous appearances in Acapulco and now has a record of 15-1 in the event. The world No. 2 faces Nick Kyrgios in the round of 16 after the Australian defeated Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-3 7-5. Second seed Alexander Zverev lost just one point on serve in a dominant 6-3 6-3 win over Alexei Popyrin while John Isner, seeded third, recorded 18 aces in a 6-3 4-6 6-3 win over France's Adrian Mannarino. Isner next faces fellow American Sam Querrey, who beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3 6-2.

Rafael Nadal impressive in Acapulco International opener

Roger Federer is no longer chasing the top ranking and would rather be a contender at Grand Slams than battling Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal to be world number one, the Swiss tennis great said on Friday.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion has held back the clock in the twilight of his remarkable career and became the ATP's oldest world number one last year a few weeks after clinching his sixth Australian Open at the age of 36.

Federer saw his bid for a seventh title at Melbourne Park crushed last month by up-and-coming Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 16 and having slipped to sixth in the rankings, he says his priorities have shifted.

"For me the ranking, at 37 years old, is no longer really the priority," he told a news conference in Geneva.

"But the idea for me is to be in good health, to know that I can win tournaments, to know that I can beat them (Djokovic and Nadal), and after that it is a pleasure.

"As soon as you feel that you have no chance and all, then it's a problem. Even if my ranking goes down further, it's not a problem for me. As long as I say I can win a Grand Slam as I did two years ago with a world ranking of 17, everything is in place. I prefer to be ranked 17th than third and not win a Grand Slam or tournament."

Federer said he plans to play the Dubai Championships in February and Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March before deciding which tournaments he would play in the leadup to the French Open.

Federer, speaking at a launch for the Laver Cup which is being held in Geneva from Sept. 20-22, hoped that compatriot Stan Wawrinka and world number one Djokovic would join him and Spaniard Nadal on the European team.

Federer, who is from Basel, said he was happy to be back in Switzerland for a few weeks, spending time with friends and family while training.

Sweden's Bjorn Borg is captain of the Europe team at the event named after Australian tennis great Rod Laver.

Nadal has announced he will join his perennial rival in the Laver Cup, which pits the best of Europe against a world team still to be named.

"I can't wait. We talked about it in Melbourne, we talked about how excited he (Nadal) was and me too that we're going to be on the same team again," Federer said.

"We don't know the opponents' team quite yet, it's a good thing Rafa is going to be on my team, and it's on home soil for me in Switzerland, it's indoors, I like indoors," he said.

Tickets for the third edition of the tournament, following events in Prague and Chicago, went on sale on Friday, with the best seats at the five-session event going for a whopping 2,820 Swiss francs ($2,817.46).

Roger Federer is no longer chasing the top ranking and would rather be a contender at Grand Slams than battling Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal to be world number one, the Swiss tennis great said on Friday.

Roger Federer is no longer chasing the top ranking and would rather be a contender at Grand Slams than battling Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal to be world number one, the Swiss tennis great said on Friday. The 20-times Grand Slam champion has held back the clock in the twilight of his remarkable career and became the ATP's oldest world number one last year a few weeks after clinching his sixth Australian Open at the age of 36. Federer saw his bid for a seventh title at Melbourne Park crushed last month by up-and-coming Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 16 and having slipped to sixth in the rankings, he says his priorities have shifted. "For me the ranking, at 37 years old, is no longer really the priority," he told a news conference in Geneva. "But the idea for me is to be in good health, to know that I can win tournaments, to know that I can beat them (Djokovic and Nadal), and after that it is a pleasure. "As soon as you feel that you have no chance and all, then it's a problem. Even if my ranking goes down further, it's not a problem for me. As long as I say I can win a Grand Slam as I did two years ago with a world ranking of 17, everything is in place. I prefer to be ranked 17th than third and not win a Grand Slam or tournament." Federer said he plans to play the Dubai Championships in February and Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami in March before deciding which tournaments he would play in the leadup to the French Open. Federer, speaking at a launch for the Laver Cup which is being held in Geneva from Sept. 20-22, hoped that compatriot Stan Wawrinka and world number one Djokovic would join him and Spaniard Nadal on the European team. Federer, who is from Basel, said he was happy to be back in Switzerland for a few weeks, spending time with friends and family while training. Sweden's Bjorn Borg is captain of the Europe team at the event named after Australian tennis great Rod Laver. Nadal has announced he will join his perennial rival in the Laver Cup, which pits the best of Europe against a world team still to be named. "I can't wait. We talked about it in Melbourne, we talked about how excited he (Nadal) was and me too that we're going to be on the same team again," Federer said. "We don't know the opponents' team quite yet, it's a good thing Rafa is going to be on my team, and it's on home soil for me in Switzerland, it's indoors, I like indoors," he said. Tickets for the third edition of the tournament, following events in Prague and Chicago, went on sale on Friday, with the best seats at the five-session event going for a whopping 2,820 Swiss francs ($2,817.46).

Roger Federer: Chasing titles not top ranking

Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal is all set to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend Mery Perello following the recent engagement of the couple.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old proposed Perello for marriage, as confirmed by the ATP in a recent tweet.&nbsp;

The Spaniard, who recently appeared in the Australian Open, was defeated by current world number one Novak Djokovic in the final game of the Grand Slam event.

Nadal had no answer to Djokovic's groundstrokes which cost him the game 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

After the loss, Nadal had said he was content with being able to even reach the final given the injury problems that prevented him from playing.&nbsp;

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💍<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> is officially off the market after proposing to his girlfriend Maria Francisca "Xisca" Perello 
 
Congratulations Rafa! 😊 <a href="https://t.co/LkSckpHVxr">pic.twitter.com/LkSckpHVxr</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1090704312379035650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nadal has won a total of 17 Major titles and has been a runner up in eight Grand Slam events. The 'King of Clay', has also bagged a total of 11 French Open titles, highest by anyone in the history of tennis.

Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal is all set to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend Mery Perello following the recent engagement of the couple. The 32-year-old proposed Perello for marriage, as confirmed by the ATP in a recent tweet.

Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal is all set to tie the knot with his long-time girlfriend Mery Perello following the recent engagement of the couple. The 32-year-old proposed Perello for marriage, as confirmed by the ATP in a recent tweet. The Spaniard, who recently appeared in the Australian Open, was defeated by current world number one Novak Djokovic in the final game of the Grand Slam event. Nadal had no answer to Djokovic's groundstrokes which cost him the game 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 After the loss, Nadal had said he was content with being able to even reach the final given the injury problems that prevented him from playing. 💍@RafaelNadal is officially off the market after proposing to his girlfriend Maria Francisca "Xisca" Perello Congratulations Rafa! 😊 pic.twitter.com/LkSckpHVxr — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) January 30, 2019 × Nadal has won a total of 17 Major titles and has been a runner up in eight Grand Slam events. The 'King of Clay', has also bagged a total of 11 French Open titles, highest by anyone in the history of tennis.

Rafael Nadal proposes marriage to long-time girlfriend Mery Perello

In pictures & quotes: A look back at the Australian Open

A chastened Rafa Nadal said even his best tennis may have not been enough against a rampant <a href="Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to win record 7th Australian Open title ">Novak Djokovic after being thrashed by the Serb in the Australian Ope</a>n final on Sunday.

The Spanish second seed came into the clash in outrageous form but was dominated throughout the 6-3 6-2 6-3 loss at Rod Laver Arena, the worst in his Grand Slam rivalry with the world number one.

Although reaching the final without dropping a set, Nadal said he was still short of his best after a long injury lay-off following the U.S. Open and lacked an edge to pressure the Serb.

"Of course, he played, I think, fantastic. At the same time it`s true that when he`s playing that way, I think I needed something else," the 17-times Grand Slam champion Nadal told reporters.

"I was not able to have that extra thing tonight, being honest.

"Playing the way he played tonight, I needed that defensive game to finally have the chance to be offensive.

"When he was hitting, it`s true that maybe it was difficult to beat him even if I was at my 100 per cent (level). But probably it would have been a little bit more of a fight."

Beaten in just over two hours, Nadal won barely a third of the match`s points, was broken five times and conjured only a single break point in the third set, which the Serb saved.

He racked up 28 unforced errors while Djokovic leaked only nine, in an astonishing display of control.

Despite the thrashing, the defiant Spaniard said his five-set semi-final loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon last year was more disappointing than Sunday`s defeat.

He has now lost eight successive matches to Djokovic on hardcourts, his last win coming at the 2013 U.S. Open.

But he was adamant he could rebound and find the skill to challenge again.

"What I need is time, I need work and I need more weeks like this one," said Nadal.

"That`s really the only thing that I hope, is to have the chance to keep practising well and to have the chance to keep playing with healthy conditions.

"I can`t be sad. It would not be fair to be sad. I played against a player that today was better than me."

While buoyed to have played seven matches at Melbourne Park following a litany of injuries, he conceded that he would still need to manage his schedule carefully.

"I need matches, but I can`t go crazy to play matches. I have my age," said the 32-year-old.

"If I am healthy, I am competitive, I am happy, I have the chance to win tournaments. If not, things change 100 per cent."

A chastened Rafa Nadal said even his best tennis may have not been enough against a rampant Novak Djokovic after being thrashed by the Serb in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

A chastened Rafa Nadal said even his best tennis may have not been enough against a rampant Novak Djokovic after being thrashed by the Serb in the Australian Open final on Sunday. The Spanish second seed came into the clash in outrageous form but was dominated throughout the 6-3 6-2 6-3 loss at Rod Laver Arena, the worst in his Grand Slam rivalry with the world number one. Although reaching the final without dropping a set, Nadal said he was still short of his best after a long injury lay-off following the U.S. Open and lacked an edge to pressure the Serb. "Of course, he played, I think, fantastic. At the same time it`s true that when he`s playing that way, I think I needed something else," the 17-times Grand Slam champion Nadal told reporters. "I was not able to have that extra thing tonight, being honest. "Playing the way he played tonight, I needed that defensive game to finally have the chance to be offensive. "When he was hitting, it`s true that maybe it was difficult to beat him even if I was at my 100 per cent (level). But probably it would have been a little bit more of a fight." Beaten in just over two hours, Nadal won barely a third of the match`s points, was broken five times and conjured only a single break point in the third set, which the Serb saved. He racked up 28 unforced errors while Djokovic leaked only nine, in an astonishing display of control. Despite the thrashing, the defiant Spaniard said his five-set semi-final loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon last year was more disappointing than Sunday`s defeat. He has now lost eight successive matches to Djokovic on hardcourts, his last win coming at the 2013 U.S. Open. But he was adamant he could rebound and find the skill to challenge again. "What I need is time, I need work and I need more weeks like this one," said Nadal. "That`s really the only thing that I hope, is to have the chance to keep practising well and to have the chance to keep playing with healthy conditions. "I can`t be sad. It would not be fair to be sad. I played against a player that today was better than me." While buoyed to have played seven matches at Melbourne Park following a litany of injuries, he conceded that he would still need to manage his schedule carefully. "I need matches, but I can`t go crazy to play matches. I have my age," said the 32-year-old. "If I am healthy, I am competitive, I am happy, I have the chance to win tournaments. If not, things change 100 per cent."

Humbled Rafael Nadal says needs 'time, work' to beat Novak Djokovic

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