Rafael Nadal Just One Win Away to March into Semi’s Clash

Thursday, March 31st, 2011 at 6:26 am , filed under Other Tournaments, Tournaments by Dan Jessel

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Rafael Nadal, the world No.1 player, is just one victory away to March into the semi-finals clash of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open. The Spaniard has eased out the Ukrainian, Alexandr Dolgopolov in the pre quarter-finals of the Miami Masters.

Rafael Nadal, the top seeded player in the tournament has breezed into the quarter-finals with in a span of one hour thrashing out the world no.23, Dolgopolov with 6-1 6-2 on Stadium court.

Nadal, the Spaniard will be battling against the big-hitting Czech player, Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals of the Miami Masters, the Spaniard, who is aiming for his first tilt at Key Biscayne Florida, have to put all his efforts as he going to face the top seeded players of the tournament.

The world no.7, Tomas Berdych, who had a tough battle in a three set encounter against the German, Florian Mayer with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(4) win.

Nadal leads the head-to-head series 9-3, including 4-3 on hard courts. Interestingly, Berdych took three of their first four encounters only to see Nadal win eight in a row. Their most significant clash came in last year’s Wimbledon final, where Nadal dominated 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. They also faced each other in round-robin action at the World Tour Finals, with the Spaniard prevailing 7-6(3), 6-1.

The No. 1 seed always downplays his chances, and based on current form this one should be easier than he expects. Berdych could make it competitive if his serve and forehand are clicking, but count on Nadal advancing in straight sets.

"Rafael Nadal vs Alexandr Dolgopolov"