Rafael Nadal Successfully Reached Semi-Finals At China Open

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal entered into the semi-finals at the China Open by beating sixth-seeded John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (0) on Friday.

The French Open and U.S. Open champion has won five titles this season and is last in on the year-end No. 1 ranking.

“In popular terms, I assume I played with not many mistakes,” Rafael Nadal stated. “I do not consider lots of mistakes. I went to the net very regularly. I assume I did the things that I need to do, and that I did it properly, so very happy.”

Rafael Nadal saved all three break points he faced against Isner. He’ll next play third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-2.

Dimitrov frolicked practicing with Rafael Nadal in Mallorca ahead of the tough-court season. The two also spent time fishing. However, we had some excellent dinner.”

Nick Kyrgios also advanced. The eighth-seeded Australian won while opponent Steve Darcis retired from the match with a neck strain even as trailing 6-0, 3-0.

Kyrgios will next face neither second-seeded Alexander Zverev nor Andrey Rublev.

Earlier, second-seeded Simona Halep reached the semifinals through beating Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1.

The Romanian should take over the top rating from Garbine Muguruza. She needs to attain the final and not lose to third-seeded Elena Svitolina.

Halep will next face both ninth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko or Sorana Cirstea.

Petra Kvitova advanced by beating Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-4. The twelfth-seeded Kvitova will next face both Svitolina or Caroline Garcia in the semifinals.