It would have been the “Big 4” reaching the final four of the ATP Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open had it not been for the impressive play by Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro, who ruined the 22nd birthday celebration of new world number 3 Andy Murray. Del Potro outclassed the defending champion in two sets 7-6, 6-3.
World number one Rafael Nadal continued his winning streak on clay by beating compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 7-5. Nadal is just two wins away from creating history as the only player to have won all three claycourt Masters title in a single year. He’ll be facing Serbian Novak Djokovic for the third time in five weeks for a spot in the finals.
Still searching for the first title of the year, Swiss world number two Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals by beating well-rested Andy Roddick in three tight sets 7-5, 6-7, 6-1. The American did not sweat it out in the third round after Russian opponent Nikolay Davydenko pulled out due to injury.
Federer will meet Juan Martin del Potro in the semifinals. The Swiss currently leads the head-to-head match record with a perfect 4-0 win. However, the two have not yet met in a claycourt tournament.
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