ATP News : 2005


Nadal mows down Robredo for last-eight-place in Madrid

Madrid (dpa) - Spain's Rafael Nadal moved to within a match win of Swiss rival Roger Federer Thursday night, easily surpassing compatriot Tommy Robredo 6-2, 6-4 for a place in the quarter-finals of the Masters Series Madrid.


The top-seeded teenager showed not sign of discomfort after a knee injury which had threatened his participation in the event. Nadal got back to his standard lethal form, notching his 76th victory of the season, one less than Federer.

Nadal has now won nine matches in a row, including a run to the trophy last month in Beijing followed by a pair of Davis Cup victories. He has also claimed 21 straight against countrymen. "My knee feels fine, I'm just icing it for prevention," said Nadal. "I played much better today than yesterday. That's a good sign. I'm in the quarters now and that's all I'm going to think about for the moment."

Eighth seed Ivan Ljubicic kept on a roll after winning two titles this month in as many weeks; the Croatian stopped Belgian Olivier Rochus 6-4, 6-4 to claim a 14th straight win. Ljubicic has reached the finals of four other tournaments this year, losing three times to Federer but remaining in 13th place for a possible spot in next month's championships in Shanghai.

Spain's David Ferrer dented the chances of French Open finalist Mariano Puerta of making the field in China with a 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-4 victory.

Croatian Ivo Karlovic knocked off Dominik Hrbaty with his huge serve, taking a 7-6 (11-9), 7-6 (7-3) win. Chile Fernando Gonzalez upset fourth seed Guillermo Coria 7-5, 6-3.



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