Rafael Nadal Advances to Madrid Open Semifinals
By Matt Graber
Rafael Nadal defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Madrid Open semifinals.
Rafael Nadal, tennis’ undisputed “King of Clay”, has had an inauspicious start to his 2015 season, suffering a handful of puzzling losses and appearing out of sorts and unsure of himself. He’s admitted that he’s lacked confidence so far this season, and given his recent injury history, his clay season prospects looked a lot bleaker than usual. His slide is so concerning, and Novak Djokovic has been so dominant, that for the first time in a decade, he isn’t viewed as the consensus favorite to win the French Open.
But if his recent play is any indication, the 14-time major champion isn’t ready to give up the mantle quite yet. Nadal edged tenth seeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals of the Madrid Open, continuing an encouraging run of good form as he looks to defend his title. Nadal was all over Dimitrov from the onset, earning three breaks in the first set and overcoming a deficit in the second set before mounting a comeback and closing out the match with a dominant service game.
It was one of Nadal’s most convincing wins of the season; Dimitrov, one of the tour’s best young players, has a dangerous all-court game reminiscent of Roger Federer. But Nadal handled him easily and efficiently. So far, Nadal has breezed through his first three matches without dropping a set, and in doing so he looked a bit like his old self.
Madrid is a big tournament for Nadal. Historically, this and the upcoming Rome Masters are tournaments where Nadal has kickstarted his French Open campaigns with huge wins, and if he can snag one or even both this year, he may change the narrative and establish himself as the favorite at Roland Garros after all. If he can stay healthy and build some momentum and confidence, his clay court mastery, which is predicated on a heavy topspin forehand, dogged court coverage, and unmatched physicality, makes him as dangerous as ever.
Nadal’s semifinal opponent will be the winner of today’s John Isner-Tomas Berdych match. Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and David Ferrer remain on the other side of the draw. With Djokovic missing, Nadal has to like his chances to earn a fifth Madrid title. And with it, the much needed confidence to once again return to the top of the tennis world.
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