Söderling and Ferrer move into semi-finals
31 Dec, 2009
Abu Dhabi, UAE – December 31, 2009: Robin Söderling and David Ferrer advanced through to the semi-finals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship today to set up a stunning day two at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City.
Söderling, playing in the tournament for the first time, overcame a spirited Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 7-6 while Ferrer upset Nikolay Davydenko (2-6 6-2 6-4) to set up an all Spanish semi-final with Rafael Nadal.
Ferrer’s win was made all the more special considering he was a late replacement for the injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and now moves through to play his compatriot and close friend Nadal.
“It will be a very tough fight,” said Ferrer. “But I’m looking forward to it.”
Ferrer pulled the match back after looking down and out early in the second set.
Ferrer said:
“He made a few mistakes in the second set and I had my chance there. It’s the first match of the season so it’s nice to beat a world top ten.
“At 4-3 he made some mistakes and I was playing very well.”
Söderling, meanwhile, sets up a re-match of the 2009 French Open final with Roger Federer.
He looked comfortable in his opening encounter despite a tough challenge against the young Swiss star Wawrinka pushing him all the way.
“I think we both played a pretty decent match,” said Söderling. I played him a couple of times and we practiced a lot so I know he’s a good player.”
“This is a great start to play matches against the world’s top players that will for sure help my game.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final clash with Federer, the top Swede said: “Every match is a new match; the more times I play him, the closer I get to winning. We had a lot of good matches and I’ve come close a few times.”
“Even though I lost every time against him I always feel like I learn something. It’s perfect for me to play against Roger - it really improves my game.”
ENDS
About Capitala
Capitala is an Abu Dhabi-based strategic real estate master planner and developer committed to designing, building, managing and maintaining world-class, integrated communities in the UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi.
Established in 2008, Capitala is a strategic joint venture company between Mubadala, a leading business development and investment company in Abu Dhabi with 51 per cent shareholding and CapitaLand, one of Asia’s largest real estate companies with a 49 per cent shareholding.
Capitala’s maiden project, Arzanah, is a US$6 billion integrated development on Abu Dhabi Island. This landmark development has been designed to meet evolving needs of modern daily life in Abu Dhabi. Arzanah’s emphasis on an active, healthy lifestyle is featured throughout the development. For more information please visit: www.capitala.ae
About Flash Entertainment
Licensed by the Abu Dhabi Media Zone, and supported by the city, Flash Entertainment is a multi-faceted event management company with a global approach. Flash Entertainment is based on a simple philosophy; to provide first class entertainment, and position Abu Dhabi as the entertainment hub in the region. Specialising in concerts, cultural and sport events, theatrical productions and festivals, Flash Entertainment is dedicated to creating memorable events and experiences that surpass expectations, delivered with enthusiasm and expertise.
About IMG
IMG is the global leader in event management and talent representation across golf, tennis and fashion and has a significant presence in many other sports, cultural and lifestyle categories. IMG’s media division is one of the world’s top independent producers of sports and entertainment television across multiple genres and is an emerging leader in video and interactive content creation for broadband and mobile platforms.