World No. 1 Rafael Nadal took another step toward a first Miami title by out-slugging big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of the Sony Open.
Nadal, a three-time runner-up on the Miami hardcourts, is to play seventh-seed Tomas Berdych for a place in tomorrow’s final after the Czech eased into the last four with 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win over Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.
The other semi-final is to be played between world No. 2 Novak Djokovic and Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who has already beaten fourth seed David Ferrer and 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
Photo: AFP
Nadal’s resume includes 62 career titles, including two this year, but the Miami trophy has consistently eluded the 13-time Grand Slam winner.
Raonic’s booming serve, that included a couple in excess of 225kph, kept Nadal on his heels in the opening set, but it was the world No. 1’s own serve that let him down when he double faulted on break point at 5-4 down to gift the 12th seeded Canadian the set.
It marked the first time Nadal’s serve had been broken in Miami and the unhappy Spaniard struck back by breaking Raonic twice to surge to a 4-0 lead in the second on the way to leveling the match.
He then gained the upper hand in the third set with a decisive break at 4-3 then held serve to complete the victory.
Earlier, Berdych quietly worked his way into the last four without dropping a set.
The match was briefly halted by rain with the score tied 4-4 in the opening set, but when the players returned to an overcast center court, Berdych took control, holding serve and breaking the 22nd seed to grab a 1-0 lead.
Dolgopolov hit back with an early break in the second on way to a 5-3 lead, but Berdych broke the Ukrainian at 5-5 to help force a tiebreak, which he easily won to register his 450th career match win.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely