Ball games

Ball games

Injured Federer, beaten Nadal out of Qatar Open

06 January 2012 20:45 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Top-seeded Rafael Nadal was hustled out of the Qatar Open in the semi-finals on Friday, joining second-seeded Roger Federer at the Doha exit door after the Swiss star pulled out with a back injury, APA reports quoting AFP.

French Open champion Nadal lost 6-3, 6-4 to Gael Monfils, the world number 16 from France.

The result guaranteed a French winner of the Qatar Open for the first time since Nicolas Escude eight years ago, for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also reached the final when Federerâ€™s hopes were scuppered by a bad back.

Federer’s decision to pull out before a ball was hit was only the second time in his career that he had been forced into such a decision.

For Monfils, it was only the second time in 10 attempts that he had got the better of Nadal.

Curiously the other occasion was on this same court three years ago before Nadal went on to win the Australian Open.

"I am not lying to you, and my feeling is very positive. I think I played great tournament, much better than what I thought," insisted Nadal.

"So seriously, the only negative thing of today is to lose. For the rest, I am satisfied. I played more aggressive than usual during all tournament, including today."

Monfils suggested that, at the age of 25, he still has the time and the mentality to make a challenge to the leaders.

"I like this stadium and atmosphere -- I play great tennis here," he said of an arena with an intimate, highly charged ambience at night.

"I think I served well and I was very fast around the court," added Monfils, who had served 19 first serves into court in a row at one stage in the second set.

His second comment was an understatement, for his withering speed may well have raised doubts in Nadalâ€™s mind about the best shot selection.

Nadal followed quite well his new emphasis of heavier attacks from nearer to or inside the baseline, but was frequently prevented from getting full value from them.

Inevitably the loss will continue the questions about the world number twoâ€™s preparation for the 2012 season.

Problems with his shoulder, a new and heavier racquet, and only five days off-season training have not created maximum confidence.

Having played two matches in pain, Grand Slam record-holder Federer preferred to give himself the best chance of appearing in decent shape for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open, starting at Melbourne in 10 days’ time.

"Although it’s not very good it’s not crazy bad," Federer said.

"I have had bad backs on the past, but this is not very good, otherwise I would definitely be playing.

"Itâ€™s only the second time I have pulled out from a tournament, and I have never pulled out during a match. Itâ€™s a sad moment for me, the tournament, and the fans, but health comes first."

Federer was "optimistic" he would be fit for the Australian Open, where he will be trying to win the title back from Novak Djokovic.

"I feel that without play and with the right treatment, I will get through it in the next few days," he said.