Nadal's Victory Sets Up Do-Or-Die Battle with Davydenko for Semifinal Slot
© Getty Images By Bill Scott
Rafael Nadal boosted Tennis Masters Cup latecomer James Blake into the first of the semifinal spots at the season wrapup event on Wednesday thanks to a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 Gold group victory over fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
The all-Iberian struggle paved the way for Blake - last man to qualify into the eight-strong field at the Qi Zhong stadium - to become the first to reach the weekend final four with a 2-0 record from wins over Robredo and Nadal.
Double French Open champion Nadal found his range in a draining 61-minute first set against Robredo, like Blake making his debut at the elite season wrapup.
It was the first win in Shanghai for Nadal, who lost his opening match to Blake and had to withdraw injured before his first match a year ago.
Nadal, second in the world behind Roger Federer, traded first set breaks in the sixth and seventh games with his compatriot before the set headed to the tiebreaker.
Nadal excelled under pressure, converting on the first of four chances to claim the opener.
That success opened the floodgates for Rafa, who raced to 3-0 before his compatriot could react.
"I played a complete match," said the winner. I'm very happy to finally win a match here. It was a very important win and I feel great. I played my shots well and was serving with confidence."
The 20-year-old Nadal saved three break points to reach 4-1, then fought off a Robredo last stand in the concluding game as the challenger saved three match points before falling after one hour, 41 minutes on a return long.
Nadal fired 26 winners, 22 unforced errors and converted on three of nine break points. Roberdo had a poor day with success on just one of six break points against his celebrated young compatriot.
Nadal improved to 58-11 on the season while Robredo stands 48-30 after his fourth career loss to his countryman. Robredo can no longer reach the semifinals but will play one final round robin match against Blake.
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