Tag Archives: nadal

Federer: ‘Nadal is only human’

Roger Federer has exclusively told CNN he feels he could beat reigning champion Rafael Nadal at this year’s French Open in Paris, because despite winning the last four tournaments the Spaniard is "only human." The world number two is hoping this year will prove to be a turning point after suffering three consecutive final defeats to Nadal at Roland Garros. “He’s won four straight times here in Paris which shows how tough he is, but if you play him the right way there will be chances, he is only human and we wait for that moment when he is not at his best; hopefully that will be this year,” the Swiss said. The 27-year-old certainly started the right way if he is to mount a succesful challenge, beating Alberto Martin 6-4 6-3 6-2 in under two hours to advance to the second round, setting up a clash with either Jose Acasuso or Santiago Ventura.

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Can Federer finally flourish at the French Open?

World tennis number two Roger Federer has given his fans some hope that this year could be the year he finally conquers all at Roland Garros. The 27-year-old from Switzerland has won 13 Grand Slam titles, but never the clay court-contested French Open. Federer’s nemesis, Rafael Nadal, has already claimed the Australian Open in a strong start to 2009, and his preparations towards a fifth consecutive French Open title seemed to be all in order until the Swiss player struck at the Madrid Open this week

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Federer stuns weary Nadal in Madrid final

Second seed Roger Federer won his first title of 2009 after stunning world number one and clay-court king Rafael Nadal in straight sets in front of his own fans in the final of the Madrid Masters on Sunday. Swiss ace Federer, who had won 57 career titles but was without a tournament victory since winning on home soil in Basle last October, took the honors 6-4 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes. The win also ended a remarkable run of success on clay for world number one Nadal, who was unable to repeat his heroics from Saturday’s epic semifinal against Novak Djokovic when he fought back from the brink to win a gruelling battle 3-6 7-6 7-6 in four hours and three minutes, saving three match points along the way.

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Djokovic to play Nadal in Rome final

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will play world number one Rafael Nadal in the final of the Rome Masters after contrasting semifinal victories on Sunday. Djokovic edged past world number two Roger Federer 4-6 6-3 6-3 while Nadal brushed aside 12th seed Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 6-3 at the Foro Italico. Serbian ace Djokovic needs to beat Nadal on Sunday to retain his world number three spot ahead of Andy Murray.

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Nadal to play Djokovic in Monte Carlo final

Rafael Nadal beat Andy Murray in straight sets to reach the final of the Monte Carlo Masters where he will play Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on Sunday. Nadal will be bidding for his fifth straight title in the principality but was made to work for his 6-2 7-6 victory by Scot Murray who once again showed his growing adaptability to clay.

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