ATP Rome: Rafael Nadal ultimately confidently in the semifinals
Rafael Nadal made it to the semi-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome. The Spaniard defeated compatriot Fernando Verdasco in two sets 6-4 and 6-0 after initial problems.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 17, 2019, 04:19 pm
By Jens Huiber from Rome
Fernando Verdasco certainly did not lack opportunities in the first set of his semi-final game in Rome against Rafael Nadal. Verdasco started with a break in the very first game, had opportunities to move on to 3: 0 with the next, after Nadal's comeback at 4: 4 again a 0:40. But, as so often against the big names, it was not enough for Fernando Verdasco in Rome this afternoon to surprise his long-time companion on the ATP tour.
Nadal won 6: 4 and 6: 0 and will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final round of the last big tournament before the French Open on Saturday. The Greek benefited from Roger Federer's withdrawal. Last Saturday, Tsitsipas and Nadal faced each other in the Madrid semi-finals, with the better end for the youngster.
Nadal convincing after winning the set
Michael Stich had gone to the Foro Italico - and the 1991 Wimbledon winner saw a favorite who hit an amazing number of balls with the frame in the early stages. Nadal looked tense, Verdasco put pressure on Dominic Thiem and Karen Khachanov in the double shift on Thursday. Verdasco had had to complete six hard sentences. Nadal, on the other hand, delivered as many games in two matches. In total.
After winning the first set, it seemed to be heading for Nadals at first, the eight-time Rome champion took the lead 2-0. Verdasco had two balls to rebreak in the third game, Nadal did not fend off, especially the first one. Chance number three got stuck on the net, on Verdasco's side. Verdasco's resistance was broken with 3: 0, after a playing time of 1:38 hours Rafael Nadal made the 17th success against Fernando Verdasco official in the 20th match.
Schwartzman beats Nishikori
In addition to Nadal and Tsitsipas, Diego Schwartzman is among the last four in Rome. The Argentinian defeated Kei Nishikori 6: 4 and 6: 2 surprisingly smoothly and is waiting for the winner of the night session between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro.