Photo by AP Photo/Alastair Grant
In the first semifinal of the day in London, Rafa took on #7 and long-time rival Roger Federer. Their matches have often been very up and down. Their last one in Cincy was an exciting affair. Today’s wasn’t quite that intense, but it was much more interesting than some of their blow-outs. Both players were playing pretty well, but Rafa had that extra something. He went up a break in the 9th game of the first set, but was unable to consolidate and serve it out. Despite that wobble, he broke in the next game and then served it out. There was an early break in the 2nd set and that’s all he needed. He’s through 7-5, 6-3.
This was the first time he’s beaten Federer at the WTF.
Stats:
| Nadal | Federer | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 2 | 6 |
| Double Faults | 0 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 77% | 66% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 32/43 (74%) | 27/39 (69%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 9/13 (69%) | 8/20 (40%) |
| Break Points Saved | 3/4 (75%) | 0/4 (0%) |
| Service Games Played | 10 | 11 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 12/39 (31%) | 11/43 (26%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 12/20 (60%) | 4/13 (31%) |
| Break Points Won | 4/4 (100%) | 1/4 (25%) |
| Return Games Played | 11 | 10 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 41/56 (73%) | 35/59 (59%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 24/59 (41%) | 15/56 (27%) |
| Total Points Won | 65/115 (57%) | 50/115 (43%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 15 | 17 |
| Unforced errors | 14 | 32 |
| Net Approaches | 4/4 (100%) | 5/11 (45%) |
