Rafael Nadal one step closer to Wimbledon dream
Jul 7th, 2008 by Ted Liptak
(BEIJING, July, 5) – World No. 2 Rafael Nadal cruised past Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 to set up a third successive Wimbledon final against Roger Federer yesterday in the second semifinal on Centre Court at Wimbledon.The first set was a one-sided one in favor of the Spaniard since he broke the German’s opening service game. After breaking the German’s serve twice, the 22-year-old favorite easily took the first set 6-1.
At the start of the second set, Schuettler seemed to show signs of resistance. The two players managed the court well and were tied, before Schuettler gave away the set to the younger player by hitting a shot wide.
Nadal enjoying his victory
In the third set, Nadal brushed aside the German to secure a 6-4 win.
Schuettler, ranked 94 in the world, didn’t intend to come to this tournament at first. It was his victory over No. 9 seed James Blake in the second round at a Challenger event in Cordoba this week that made him change his mind. He is the first German semifinalist here since Michael Stich in 1997.
“Today it was maybe not my best match here but it was very important for me to win in three sets,” said Nadal to a reporter from Reuters after the match.
Nadal, French Open champion, is scheduled to go up against world No. 1 Federer in the final. This may remind fans of their last duel at Roland Garros last month. Although Federer is looking forward to winning his sixth title in a row, Nadal is ready for a crown on grass.
Schuettler is returning a ball to Nadal in the semifinal.
