On Friday’s quarterfinals match between Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco, Nadal was able to win the match by 6-4 and 6-0. He only lost six games in six sets to make his place cemented in the semifinals of the Italian Open.
Nadal now ought to be a little nervous at this point in tournament as he has already fallen in the semis for 3 times in past which is favorite clay court. His next opponent is Stefanos Tsitsipas who already defeated Nadal at the Madrid Open last week.
Nadal said, “I know what happened last week and I going to try bets for tomorrow. I need to hold my current level or to increase it a bit more. If that happens, I have my chances.”
His opponent, Tsitsipas who is 20 years old is currently ranked world no. 7.
In other matches Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka, both withdrew from their quarterfinal matches following their injuries.
Federer was reported to be feeling a left leg injury ahead of his match against Tsitsipas who gained a walkover in light of Federer’s withdraw.
As for Osaka, she reportedly withdraws from her match against Kiki Bertens, due to feeling pain in her hand.
In other matches of the day, the world rank 24, Diego Schwartzman also moved into the semis after defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori by 6-4 and 6-2.
He will now face the current world rank no. 1 Novak Djokovic in the Finals who earlier defeated Juan Martin del Potro.
In women’s singles tournament, Karolina Pliskova won over Victoria Azarenka by 6-7, 6-2 and 6-2 for a spot in the semis. She will play next to either against Maria Sakkari or Kristina Mladenovic for her shot at the final.
As for Bertens who gained a walkover to the semis due to Osaka’s withdrawal, she will face the winner of the match between Johanna Konta and Marketa Vondrousova.
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