Djokovic routs Nadal to move into semis

AFP, PARIS: Novak Djokovic crushed nine-time champion Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 to move into the French Open semi-finals Wednesday, condemning the great Spaniard to just his second defeat in 72 matches at Roland Garros.
It was world number one and top seed Djokovic’s first win over defending champion Nadal in seven meetings in Paris, avenging his defeats in the 2012 and 2014 finals.
It also eased Djokovic, who fired 45 winners to Nadal’s 16, closer to a first French Open title and a career Grand Slam.
He will play his 26th major semi-final on Friday against British third seed Andy Murray who saw off Spain’s 2013 runner-up David Ferrer 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to make the last four for the third time.
“I have great respect for Rafa, he’s a true champion and it’s always a pleasure to play him,” said 28-year-old Djokovic after wrapping up his 27th successive win this year.
“I knew I had to be aggressive and stay concentrated on every point. That’s not easy to do against a man who had only lost once here in his career.
“It’s an incredible day, I am very happy and I want to continue like this.”
For Nadal, it was a sobering way to mark his 29th birthday with the comprehensive loss placing a serious question mark over whether he will be able to achieve his dream of a 10th French Open crown.
The defeat, just his second in Paris in a decade after a fourth-round exit to Robin Soderling in 2009, could also see him slip out of the world top 10 for the first time since 2005.
“I had my moments, but he controlled most of the match. This can happen when your opponent plays better and is in better shape,” said Nadal.
“It’s not a big surprise that I didn’t win. I lost also in 2009 and today in 2015, but I hope to be back next year with another chance.”
In a marathon 67-minute first set in their 44th career meeting, Djokovic raced into a 4-0 lead, allowing Nadal just four points.

Djokovic routs Nadal to move into semis

AFP, PARIS: Novak Djokovic crushed nine-time champion Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 to move into the French Open semi-finals Wednesday, condemning the great Spaniard to just his second defeat in 72 matches at Roland Garros. It was world number one and top seed Djokovics first win over defending champion Nadal in seven meetings in Paris, avenging his defeats in the 2012 and 2014 finals. It also eased Djokovic, who fired 45 winners to Nadals 16, closer to a first French Open title and a career Grand Slam. He will play his 26th major semi-final on Friday against British third seed Andy Murray who saw off Spains 2013 runner-up David Ferrer 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to make the last four for the third time. I have great respect for Rafa, hes a true champion and its always a pleasure to play him, said 28-year-old Djokovic after wrapping up his 27th successive win this year. I knew I had to be aggressive and stay concentrated on every point. Thats not easy to do against a man who had only lost once here in his career. Its an incredible day, I am very happy and I want to continue like this. For Nadal, it was a sobering way to mark his 29th birthday with the comprehensive loss placing a serious question mark over whether he will be able to achieve his dream of a 10th French Open crown. The defeat, just his second in Paris in a decade after a fourth-round exit to Robin Soderling in 2009, could also see him slip out of the world top 10 for the first time since 2005. I had my moments, but he controlled most of the match. This can happen when your opponent plays better and is in better shape, said Nadal. Its not a big surprise that I didnt win. I lost also in 2009 and today in 2015, but I hope to be back next year with another chance. In a marathon 67-minute first set in their 44th career meeting, Djokovic raced into a 4-0 lead, allowing Nadal just four points.