Rafael Nadal reached the Madrid Masters quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive year yesterday when he smothered the huge serving of American 13th seed John Isner to claim a 7-5, 6-4 victory.
Rafael Nadal reached the Madrid Masters quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive year yesterday when he smothered the huge serving of American 13th seed John Isner to claim a 7-5, 6-4 victory.
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| Rafael Nadal returns to John Isner in the Round Four yesterday |
The Spanish second seed, who was the 2005 champion when the event was played on indoor hardcourt, held Isner to a mere 11 aces on the clay of the Caja Magica on a chilly day with the roof closed in case of rain.
"It was a dangerous, difficult match," said Nadal, who next faces French 12th seed Gael Monfils, a winner over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. "It's one I'm very happy to win. I played well and took the chances I had, it was a very important win for me, I played much better than in the previous round."
Nadal won his last match against Monfils in the US Open fourth round last year despite suffering an injury.
"I had terrible abdominal muscle pain, it was tough."
Nadal, whose win was his 28th of the year, said he was expecting another tough match-up with Monfils.
"Gael is a charismatic player, he plays fast and aggressive. He can change strategy suddenly and is very confident. He's coming back from injury so that is always dangerous. When you are coming back you are more motivated than ever."
