Rafael Nadal Powers To Win Over Roger Federer At Indian Wells
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2013/03/rafael-nadal-powers-to-win-over-roger.html
Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-4 6-2 as he continued his impressive come back from a knee injury by reaching the Indian Wells semi-finals in California.
Hampered by a back problem, Federer saved a break point but Nadal broke to move 4-3 ahead as he won the first set.
Federer broke Nadal for the first time in the second set but his performance was littered with unforced errors.
"After seven months away, I am happy to be in the semi-finals," said Nadal, who faces Tomas Berdych in the last four.
Federer is not surprised by the form being shown by Nadal, who won two out of three tournaments on clay after seven months out.
The Swiss former world number one said: "He's not going to come back if he's not well. I expected him to tear through the clay.
"I expected him to be tough here, which he shows to be.
"He hasn't played for some time on hard court. I don't know if it's careful or if it's just getting used to it again. It's totally normal."
Spaniard Nadal is pleased with his progress and said: "Two weeks ago I didn't know if I can be here, and now I am in the semi-finals. I have a lot of positive energy."
He now meets Berdych after the world number six picked up a 6-4 6-4 victory over Kevin Anderson.
Federer broke Nadal for the first time in the second set but his performance was littered with unforced errors.
"After seven months away, I am happy to be in the semi-finals," said Nadal, who faces Tomas Berdych in the last four.
Federer is not surprised by the form being shown by Nadal, who won two out of three tournaments on clay after seven months out.
The Swiss former world number one said: "He's not going to come back if he's not well. I expected him to tear through the clay.
"I expected him to be tough here, which he shows to be.
"He hasn't played for some time on hard court. I don't know if it's careful or if it's just getting used to it again. It's totally normal."
Spaniard Nadal is pleased with his progress and said: "Two weeks ago I didn't know if I can be here, and now I am in the semi-finals. I have a lot of positive energy."
He now meets Berdych after the world number six picked up a 6-4 6-4 victory over Kevin Anderson.
