After WC football exit, there's more sad news for British sport as Nadal puts Murray out of Wimbledon
Afteru00a0WC football exit, there's more sad news for British sport as Nadal puts Murray out of Wimbledon |
| Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Andy Murray in the men's semi-final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London yesterday. PIC/AFP |
Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal made it back to the Wimbledon final by beating British home favourite Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in yesterday's semis.
The match was punctuated by some thrilling rallies, impressive lobs and duels at the net, and while Murray gave Nadal a tough test, the Mallorcan was in imperious form and won all the crucial points.
Fourth seed Murray was roared on by a home crowd and former England football captain David Beckham on Centre Court, but Nadal proved too much for the Scot in a two-hour, 22-minute masterclass.
The French Open champion faces Czech 12th seed Tomas Berdych in tomorrow's final.
"It was a very good match for me. To beat Andy you have to play your best tennis," Nadal said.
"It was a big challenge and an amazing victory against one of the toughest opponents in the world.
Murray said he had given it his best shot.
"You're not going to be able to play every single point on your terms against the best player in the world," the world number four said.
"I'm annoyed I lost this match. "It's not like I played badly. He played great, and that was the difference.
"Until the end of the match, he didn't have a breakpoint until the last couple of games."
