Nadal wins, stays on course for Federer showdown at Australian Open 2012
Rafael Nadal dispatched Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals at the 2012 Australian Open.
If he wins his next match he could meet Roger Federer in the semis.
Nadal said he was in the "right place" to chase his second Melbourne title after beating Federer in the 2009 decider.
"I've started the tournament playing really well this time. I felt I've played well from the first match and today I played another complete match," Nadal said.
"Now I'm in the quarter-finals. I am doing the right things. I am in the right place, right moment."
Nadal broke Lopez's serve five times and dropped his service only once. He was always in control of the match, improving his record against his opponent to nine wins in 11 meetings.
"It was a very hot day and I think it's a positive to win in straight sets especially in these conditions," Nadal said.
Nadal plays Tomas Berdych next, hoping to avoid a third straight quarterfinal loss in Melbourne.
“Hopefully not happen this time,” Nadal said remembering when he was not able to defend his 2009 Australian Open title because of an injury that forced him to retire. “I had a bad experience last two years here. It’s tough have to go out of a tournament like Australia in quarterfinals.”
Source AP
Sunday, January 22, 2012
