BEVERLY HILLS, May 07, (THEWILL) – The previously unchallenged bid of world tennis Number Two Rafa Nadal to win the Madrid Open for a sixth time was truncated prematurely by Alexander Zverev, ranked sixth ATP player.
The German displayed a powerful performance to defeat the defending champion in straight sets 6-4 6-4 to reach the semi-finals instead, after what looked like a positive start for Nadal when the Spaniard worked a break of serve in the sixth game.
Without letting it interfere with his play, Zverev hit back immediately in the next game. A bit of controversy crept in in the eighth game of the first set as Zverev became embroiled in a heated argument with the umpire over a disputed line call, but the game continued.
In trying to get back into contention, Nadal earned a break point shortly afterwards as Zverev threatened to boil over. The 2018 champion had to keep the angry reactions from affecting his play and get back into form, so he steeled himself to hold serve and broke the Spanish champion shortly afterwards to claim the first set for himself.
The German continued to hit with great power from the back of the court and worked a break point in the third game of the second set. Nadal showed his consummate skills by fending it off with a cute drop shot that countered the break point.
The defending champion played harder to fight his way back into the contest and drag the match into a third round but he was unable to deal with the weight of Zverev’s shots. Yet, Nadal fought on in typical fashion.
In the fifth game, however, the pressure told in Nadal’s game. Zverev worked a break of serve, which Nadal tried to fend off in the break points of the seventh game. But, it was not to be as Zverev served out the match in the 10th game to claim victory.
The German therefore advances to the final four, where he will face Dominic Thiem who beat John Isner 3-6 6-3 6-4, in the other quarter-finals.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
