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1/7/10 5:23 PM | Cheryl Murray
Rafael Nadal advanced to the semifinals of the Exxon Mobil Open when opponent Steve Darcis retired from their quarterfinal match, complaining of pain in his side.
Belgium’s Steve Darcis was suffering an old-fashioned beatdown at the hands of Rafael Nadal when he suddenly retired two games into the second set.
The injury was, perhaps exasperated by the fact that Darcis had won just one game in the nine that the two men played. Nadal played explosive, hard hitting tennis.
Except for the return, the Spaniard hugged the baseline while he smothered Darcis with his heavy groundstrokes. In particular, Nadal’s two-handed backhand did damage. The Spaniard struggled with depth on that very shot at the end of 2009, but he’s found his range for the New Year.
Nadal refused to donate free points to Darcis to help the Belgian’s cause. The Spaniard returned well and served magnificently for the entirety of the short match.
The world No. 2 will take on Viktor Troicki of Serbia in the semifinals. The Serb’s match was the first of the day on court. He went the distance against Lukasz Kubot; he staged an impressive come-back from 2-5 down in the third set to finally get the victory.
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doesnt sound like Nadal is thrilled
"I have had a lot of problems in the head. I have had under-confidence and things in the head. But that's life. You have to accept problems and you have to come back. I am trying."
RickyDimon , 1/7/10 8:39 PM
I think what Rafa is referring to is the split of his parents which he is trying to come to terms with, and it has affected his concentration on his game. He seems to be finding it difficult to get over it, but if it is final then he should move on. His Mum looks much happier I have to say, but who knows what anyone is feeling inside.
Vamosssssssssssss!
carrie , 1/7/10 9:03 PM
I believe Rafa was referring to playing against top 5 or let?s say 6 when talking about lost confidence. I dislike seeing these statements from him since there is really no reason for him to feel discouraged. But, then again, athletes as any other human beings need to be encouraged and comforted; they need mental and moral boost especially when coming back from an injury. So I guess these games serve well for Rafa to learn about himself and to see where he really is with his form. He is improving every day. To be honest, in Doha so far he did not have a real challenge but playing matches is what counts. And I like when he hits hard, when he feels the ball well and when he is moving great. He is yet to fine tune his shots on the net and volley but it will come. He is getting there and he should definitely be pleased with his performance. However, being perfectionist as he is, Rafa will hardly be fully pleased, not until he wins a grand slam again...and the AO is his big chance for real comeback...Vamos our dear, dear Rafa!
natashao , 1/7/10 9:23 PM
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this will be a good contest......6-4.6-4 game set and match RAFAEL NADAL
vrael , 1/7/10 6:12 PM