Nadal Squares Off Against Fish in Japan Open Semifinals

October 7, 2011 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Fish_Nadal

Spain’s Rafael Nadal will be playing against American Mardy Fish in the semifinals of the Japan Open. Nadal defeated Santiago Giraldo of Colombia in straight sets and Fish defeated Bernard Tomic of Austria in three sets, 6-7, 6-4, 6-1.

"It was a tough first set. I thought I could play more relaxed in the second set," said Nadal. "He is a very graceful player who can hit winners from everywhere."

The 53rd ranked Giraldo was able to be a threat early on in the match, who took it to a tie-breaker in the first, but was unable to hold on.

Fish is hoping for a second title this season if he goes on to win. He won in Atlanta earlier in the year and was able to reach the finals in both Montreal and Los Angeles.

"I just had to hang in there and fight as hard as I could and try to take advantage of any opportunity I had there late in the second set," said Fish.

On the other side of the draw, David Ferrer will be going up against Andy Murray. Ferrer took down Radek Stepanek in straights and Murray defeated David Nalbandian in straights to both advance to meet in the semis.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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