Nadal and Söderling advance through to the final of the Capitala World Tennis Championship 2010

01 Jan, 2010

Rafael Nadal will make his second consecutive appearance in the Capitala World Championship final where he will square up against Robin Söderling, the in-form Swede who stunned world number one Roger Federer today.

Nadal, who lost in the final to Andy Murray last year, looked in fine early season touch against David Ferrer to sweep through to the final, winning 7-6 6-3 in front of a packed Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.

The world number two has lost his last two encounters against Söderling, who also ended the big hitting Spaniard’s record 31 match winning streak at the French Open last year, but Nadal says he is ready turn things around.

Nadal said:
“Robin is a really tough opponent.  He’s playing really well with powerful shots.  He’s coming with confidence and he finished the season very well and right now he’s one of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to taking him on again.”

“We are playing against the top players in the world.  Sure, it’s good for preparation but at the same time, it’s good for your confidence to play good matches against the best players.”

Nadal’s win was overshadowed by the Federer defeat, as he struggled to overcome Söderling’s committed fightback which eventually saw him win 6-7 7-6 6-2.
 
Federer said:

“I started to struggle a little bit in the third set.  I thought he really found his range well.  I tried to play a bit more aggressive, try out a few things and change it up, but it didn’t work.”

“It’s about getting in to the rhythm, finding your form, trying out a few things and obviously you do make the wrong decisions at times, especially on a quick court like today.”
Federer will now face Ferrer in a third / fourth play-off beginning at 3pm.

“I’m happy that I’m going to have another chance to play again tomorrow,” he said.

“The crowds really are great here; they love coming out and it’s a lot of fun playing in front of them - they seem like very knowledgeable fans.”

“For the last two years it seems like people love coming out here to watch us play and it seems like a very good date – just look at the field we have.”

It was the first time Söderling had beaten the Swiss Master in 13 attempts.

Söderling said:

“For me, the best way to learn is to play matches against the best.”

“This gives me a lot of confidence for the whole year.  I’ve been beating all the top guys so I feel like I really belong up there now.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better start.”