Djokovic, Nadal set for showdown in Italian Open semifinal

By Daily Sports on May 19, 2018

Novak Djokovic set up an Italian Open semifinal blockbuster against old rival Rafael Nadal after both former world No 1 players battled back in thrilling last-eight clashes on Friday.

The Serb fought back against Kei Nishikori to earn a 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 win while top seed Nadal continued his clay court domination with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

Djokovic, seeded 11th after his elbow injury problems, beat Japan’s top player for the 12th time in succession.

“It was a fantastic match, we went toe-to-toe all the way to last shot. He started, he was flawless from both ends,” said Djokovic who will face Nadal for the 51st time, holding a narrow 26-24 advantage.

Nadal beat Djokovic in their last meeting in May in 2017 in a Madrid semifinal and the Serb will be out for revenge after winning seven in a row prior to that.

“We will see tomorrow. I’ve not played so many matches in the last six months,” said Djokovic whose last semifinal spot was in Eastbourne on the eve of Wimbledon in 2017.

“Physically, I’m OK. I just need some rest now and then go out and give it everything I’ve got.”

Second-ranked Nadal needs to lift an eighth career title at the Foro Italico on Sunday to return to the top of the rankings after losing that position to Roger Federer last week.

Nadal dropped the opening set to Fognini in an hour but regrouped effortlessly as he swept past the Italian in the one-sided second and third sets.

“I’m not used to playing so early,” Nadal said of his midday start. “But I’m very happy to be in the semifinals.

“This was a very important win for me today.”

Nadal also beat Fognini in Rome in 2013 in their first ever meeting. This was his 11th victory in 14 meetings with the 21st-ranked Italian, and sixth in a row.

Nadal is working towards Roland Garros, where he will aim for an unprecedented 11th title.

“My clay court season has been, I think, fantastic. It will be much better if I finish here with another title,” added the 16-time Grand Slam winner.

It was the first time in four years that Nadal managed to win his quarterfinal tie in Rome.

Marin Cilic beat Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Rome semifinals for the first time. (SuperSport.com)

•Photo courtesy of The Express (UK) shows a full house of Italian Open spectators

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 19, 2018


 

You may also like...
Foreign Coach: Kpakor backs Sports Minister, says Nigeria’s...

Fury, Usyk Clash Scheduled For March

Pinnick and Dikko meet new FIFA Secretary General...

Thiem Beats Djokovic in Dramatic French Open Semi-Final...

Messi To Miss Final Game Of 2020

Football Legend Maradona Dies Of Heart Attack

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,395 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,402 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,546 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,220 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (42,004 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,883 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,768 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,226 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,273 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,183 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,635 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,211 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media