Filed under: ATP
In one of the most competitive matches of the season, world No. 1 Rafael Nadal earned his first appearance into the championship match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London by defeating hometown favorite and fifth-seeded Andy Murray, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (6), in the tournament's first semifinal tilt on Saturday. Level of play was so high that the London crowd at the O2 Arena clapped for an extended period of time for both players with the third-set tiebreaker even at 6-6.
Nadal and Murray provided the crowd with the tournament's most exciting match of the week. The contest was comprised of constant momentum swings, a testament to the fitness level of both players.
Murray staved off two match points during the third set, but faltered to Nadal after three hours and 11 minutes of play. Nadal conjured up a laser-like, cross-court forehand winner to finally seal the match.
To the crowd's delight, Murray struck first blood in the decisive third-set tiebreaker. The Scot started off with an ace and then a couple of spectacular returns gave him the mini-break and lead at 3-0.
However, Nadal rallied back from the double break and evened at 4-4 in the tiebreaker before advancing into the Sunday finale.
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