Nadal defeated by Zverev in Madrid Open quarters
Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain – May 7, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Spain’s Rafael Nadal after their quarter final match at Madrid Open. REUTERS/Sergio Perez
MADRID— Rafael Nadal was knocked out of the Madrid Open quarterfinals stage 6-4 6-4 by German Alex Zverev on Friday.
Nadal, a five-time winner in the Spanish capital, was the favorite and top seed having lifted the Barcelona Open trophy last month but played below par on a sweltering spring day.
Article continues after this advertisementZverev struggled in the opening exchanges, finding himself 4-2 down before breaking Nadal twice to turn the match on its head and take the first set.
The fifth-seeded German then powered ahead in the second, breaking Nadal’s serve again and holding out to seal a career-first win on clay against the Spaniard.
He will take on third seed Dominic Thiem in Saturday’s semifinal after the Austrian overcame John Isner 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Article continues after this advertisementLater on Friday, Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan plays fellow qualifier Casper Ruud from Norway while eighth seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy faces Chilean 16th seed Cristian Garin.
