(AP) — Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal overcame a poor first set and a partisan crowd to beat Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 and reach the Italian Open semifinals on Friday.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The crowd at the Foro Italico was decidedly behind Fognini, Italy’s top player, and Rafa was under pressure when Fognini won five straight games to cancel out a 4-1 deficit and win the opening set.
But Fognini couldn’t keep up with Rafa’s consistency and heavy topspin on the red clay court and eventually was physically worn down.
Fognini had tape applied under his left knee while trailing 3-2 in the third set due to an apparent physical problem.
For a spot in the final, Rafa will play four-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori.
Source: AP
Rafa well done to you,
and all the best in your next match.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXX
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
So happy for you. Vamos Rafa <3
BRAVOOOO!!!!!….campeòn…..adelante..a por el torneo
Let it be Djoko in the semis! Bring him the f on!!
Great match. Keep it steady Rafa. Rest up and get ready for another big test tomorrow!