Shanghai Masters: Federer sets up Nadal final

Roger Federer defeated Juan Martin del Potro in a Shanghai Masters semifinal clash on Saturday to set up a final against perennial rival, Rafael Nadal.

The Swiss showed great resolve to thwart Argentine del Potro 3-6 6-3 6-3 in just under two hours.

World no.1, Nadal had breezed past Marin Cilic 7-5 7-6 (7-3) in two hours, 11 minutes earlier on Saturday to stay on course for his seventh title of the season.

Nadal had won an incredible nine straight semi finals in 2017 and never looked likely to relinquish that record against Cilic who had only won one of 5 of their previous meetings.

Read Also: Zaha scores, Moses injured as Palace shock Chelsea

Wimbledon champion Federer beat Nadal to win the Australian Open in January and has won the last four matches between the two legendary players, who have 35 Grand Slams between them.

Nadal, bidding to win the Shanghai title for the first time, will also be hoping to secure his 17th consecutive victory in all tournaments in Sunday’s final.

“The way doesn’t matter,” said Nadal “We are at the highest level of our sport so nobody wins easy.”

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now