Rafael Nadal took another step closer to a double gold medal haul at the Rio Olympics on Friday when he quelled the fierce resistance of Brazilian number one Thomaz Bellucci to reach the men's singles semi-finals.
The third seed triumphed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to secure a sixth win in six matches against his fellow left-hander who was carried to a shock first set success by the raucous centre court crowd who were in a carnival mood.
Nadal, the 2008 singles champion, goes on to face either Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina or Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in Sunday's gold medal match.
Later Friday, he will join childhood friend Marc Lopez to face Romania's Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau in the men's doubles final.
Victory will allow Nadal to join Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Nicolas Massu as the only players to have won gold in singles and doubles at an Olympics.
Source: AFP
GMT 04:52 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Confident Nadal demolishes DzumhurGMT 09:02 2018 Wednesday ,10 January
In Melbourne but injured knee 'fine'GMT 07:01 2017 Sunday ,31 December
Murray to launch ATP Tour comebackGMT 09:31 2017 Saturday ,28 January
Stars align as Nadal, Federer renew SlamGMT 10:47 2016 Saturday ,27 August
For potential US Open semi-finalMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor