Rafael Nadal News

Results Sunday from the US$4.45 million ATP Masters Cup at Qi Zhong Stadium : Round Robin Singles Gold Group Rafael Nadal , Spain, def. via PR-inside.com

“I was frustrated because of that. I didn’t feel so well physically, and mentally I just couldn’t … be so confident on the court. I didn’t find any solutions.”

SHANGHAI, China : Eighth-ranked Richard Gasquet stunned No. 3 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-2 Tuesday at the Masters Cup, all but ending the Serbian player’s run with a match remaining in round-robin play. via International Herald Tribune

Spain’s Rafael Nadal charged back from a set down to beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the opening match of the Tennis Masters Cup on Sunday. via Reuters

Rafael Nadal will play David Nalbandian in the Paris Masters final, and Richard Gasquet clinched the last spot in the season-ending Masters Cup despite losing his semifinal match. via Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Marcos Baghdatis knocked Tommy Robredo out of the race for a spot in the season-ending Masters Cup in China with a 6-4, 6-4 quarter-final victory on Friday at the Paris Masters. via Earth Times

“I played a very good match today. Stan was playing very aggressive, unbelievable tennis. “I felt very comfortable, very happy with my level today. I improved a lot since yesterday .”

David Nalbandian became the second man this season to beat Roger Federer back-to-back with a 6-4, 7-6 win at the Paris Masters, sending the Swiss to the end-of-season Masters Cup on the back of a loss. via Sunday Times

“Santoro took over the control. I was having all the unforced errors and making free points for him. Unfortunately I couldn’t give my 100 percent - not even 30 percent.”

PARIS : Novak Djokovic was ousted from the Paris Masters on Wednesday, losing to French veteran Fabrice Santoro 6-3, 6-2 in the second round. via International Herald Tribune

Nadal was rarely at his best but still eased past Volandri World number two Rafael Nadal eased into round three of the Paris Masters with victory over Filippo Volandri despite an uneven display. via BBC Sports

“It’s been my best season ever and it is going to be great to compete in Shanghai.”

David Ferrer became the second Spaniard into next month’s Masters Cup after qualifying into the eight-man field, the ATP confirmed. via Bangkok Post

“It’s hard to say if this is the best I’ve played. I feel like new.”

MADRID, Spain : After beating No. 2 and No. 3, David Nalbandian’s next hurdle is No. via International Herald Tribune

Djokovic, who reached the semifinals for the 11th time this year, needed treatment on his left ankle before the second set. via The Globe and Mail

“I never saw him go down like this physically. I mean, he sat down.”

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the two top players in men’s tennis, return to tournament play for the first time since the U.S. Open this week at the Madrid Masters event. via The Globe and Mail

“I enjoy the way Spain works going to sleep late, waking up late, eating late, sleeping during the day”

Andy Murray spent his formative teenage years in Spain and has a clear affinity with the country. via The Belfast Telegraph

“I don’t know where I will play next, as I need to ask for a wildcard. I just want to finish and start slowly preparing for 2008.”

Roger Federer kick-started the concluding phase of his season, winning his 39th straight match over an American with a 7-6 , 6-4 defeat of Robby Ginepri on Tuesday at the Madrid Masters. via The Times of India

“It’s tough to find a rhythm after time out. It’s much easier in practice”

British number one Andy Murray blew away Argentine 15th seed Juan Ignacio Chela 6-1 6-3 to reach the third round at the Madrid Masters on Tuesday. via ESPN