Spanish tennis player and current ATP World No. 1, Rafael Nadal is making waves in the Australian Open. He is now set to play against 25-year-old, Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the Tour’s semi-finals.
On his way to the semis, Nadal defeated Frenchman Gilles Simon on Wednesday. Simon put a strong fight, but in the end, it was Nadal who triumphed with 6-2, 7-5, 7-5. Nadal lost to Simon during their last meeting in October of 2008 in Madrid.
Nadal commented about his game against Simon saying, “I was coming to the match with some doubts. But, I knew I was playing better here.” and he certainly was.
His win over Simon has set up an All-Spanish semi-final between him and Verdasco. He commented on how he and Verdasco are happy about the turn out because it ensures that one Spanish player will make it into the finals.
Verdasco has never advanced past the 4th round in any Grand Slam. Prior to this year’s tour he has also never gone past the second round during the Australian open.
The other semi-finals game will be between current World No. 2 Roger Federer and World No. 7 Andy Roddick. This years semi-finals marks the seventh time for Federer and Roddick to play against each other in a Grand Slam.