Rafael Nadal was the overwhelming favorite to win the title in Rio to surprisingly lose in the semifinal against Fognini.
The King of Clay started the match in ominous fashion to win the opener 6-1 and break Fognini immediately in the first game of the second set. Rafa looked to be in full control, but then he started to struggle with his fitness to lose 7 of the following 8 games (6-1 2-6 0-1!!!). The third set was a sheer fight, but eventually Nadal wasn’t feeling as confident as usual to be broken at the very end. Fognini won 1-6 6-2 7-5.
Fognini: I am really happy for this match
Fabio commented “I’m really happy about this match. I beat the best player on this surface. Rafa is always difficult. From the second set I played really well, and I tried to change a little bit to be more positive on court.
Right now I’m thinking in the now; that I’ve beaten Rafa. I’m super happy, and obviously tomorrow I will have to battle David, who has always beaten me… I will obviously be happy if I win. If I lose, I will also leave with the good memories from this week in Rio.”
| 3RD SET HIGHLIGHTS |
The final vs. Ferrer
Fabio will play David Ferrer in the final. Head to head is 7-0 for Ferrer that is the favorite for the title.
