Rafael Nadal plays another fantastic match in Shanghai to reach the final after defeating a good Marin Cilic in straight sets.

The match

Even if Marin Cilic was struggling big time to hold his serve especially in the first 2 games, the Croatian managed to stay with Rafa for the entire first set till the very end when he conceded the decisive break in the 11th game (6-5) before losing the opener 7-5.

The second set was a bit more of a roller coaster. Nadal had a 1-break-up lead twice (2-1 and 5-4), but he gave his break back on both occasions. The world no.1 demonstrated his legendary mental toughness after he held his focus following the huge disappointment of not being able to serve out the match while he was leading 7-5 5-4. Eventually, Rafa proved to be too good in the 2nd set tiebreak to win the match 7-5 7-6 (3) in over 2 hours and 11 minutes.

I played at a great level. NADAL

Rafa was obviously elated with his performance to comment

“Very happy. Of course, I played I think a very high level of tennis. It was a great match again. I don’t know what he [Cilic] said, if he already talked or what he’s going to say later, I don’t know, but in my opinion, he played well, too. Was a great, good quality of tennis this afternoon.”

The final

Nadal will face Roger Federer in the final. Even if Rafa has a 23-14 record against Roger, the Swiss has won their last 4 encounters, and he has a 3-0 record against the Spaniard in 2017. Still, the world no.1 seems to be the favorite to win the title in Shanghai as he is playing a fantastic tennis.