Nadal begins with loss in London
Published: 23 November, 2009, 21:24
Rafael Nadal of Spain
Former world number one Rafael Nadal has stumbled at his first hurdle in the ATP final event in London.
The Spaniard lost in straight sets to Robin Soderling of Sweden, who had come into the competition to replace the injured Andy Roddick.
And Soderling came out a 6-4, 6-4 winner in his debut in the Tour Finals.
The victory was a repeat of this year's French Open in May, when Soderling broke Nadal's 31-match unbeaten run.
Meanwhile, Nikolay Davydenko is hoping to continue his recent good form against Novak Djokovic on Monday. Davydenko beat the Serb last time they met in the semis of the Shanghai Masters.
But it’s Djokovic who's the in-form player at the moment, and the bookies’ favorite.
He's taken three titles this autumn and could take the number-two ranking from Rafael Nadal should the Spaniard falter in London.
23.11.2009, 12:45
Favorites victorious at ATP final event in LondonAt the ATP world tour finals in London, world number one Roger Federer had to come from a set down to beat Fernando Verdasco. Scotsman Andy Murray’s clash against Juan Martin Del Potro saw the same scenario. |
24.11.2009, 12:55
Davydenko fails to stop ATP Finals defending champNovak Djokovic has kick-started his defense of the ATP World Tour finals in London, getting the better of Nikolay Davydenko in his first round-robin match. |
