Nadal Outlasts Sock to Reach China Open Semifinals
- 9 years ago
Rafael Nadal reached his first hard-court semifinal of the year by outlasting Jack Sock of the United States 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the China Open on Friday.
The third-seeded Spaniard had lost before the semifinals in seven previous hard-court tournaments in what has been a disappointing season.
His last title on hard courts came in Doha, Qatar, in January 2014.
Nadal was more consistent than his American opponent, making 25 unforced errors to Sock's 35.
After dropping serve twice in the opening set, he only faced one more break point, which he saved.
"For sure, be in semifinals here is a very positive result for me in a very tough tournament, and be able to at least play four matches here is great news for me," he said.
The third-seeded Spaniard had lost before the semifinals in seven previous hard-court tournaments in what has been a disappointing season.
His last title on hard courts came in Doha, Qatar, in January 2014.
Nadal was more consistent than his American opponent, making 25 unforced errors to Sock's 35.
After dropping serve twice in the opening set, he only faced one more break point, which he saved.
"For sure, be in semifinals here is a very positive result for me in a very tough tournament, and be able to at least play four matches here is great news for me," he said.