ATP Rome Saturday Preview

Rafael Nadal vs. Richard Gasquet

Spain's Rafael Nadal advanced to the semifinals of the Rome Masters with a comfortable victory Friday over Croatian Marin Cilic. Nadal completely dominated the first set against an opponent who was unable to match the Spaniard's intensity and consistency from the back of the court. Also there weren’t signs of fever or downs in his game, he showed a high intensity on court and his movement and grand strokes were improved against Cilic.

"I feel much better. I think I started the match with a greater intensity and so I was able to move faster and to play more aggressive with the legs and if I play more aggressive with the legs then the shots are automatically more aggressive", said Nadal.

He will meet Gasquet for the second time this year on clay, after Monte Carlo, the Frenchman making his best against Berdych. The Frenchman looked a little bit sluggish during the match and was a little bit tired at the end. Nadal will be eager to finish this match quickly, he will wait most probable Djokovic in the final and he need all his strength, if he will play at the same level as against Cilic, aggressive shots and great intensity will take this one easily.  

 

Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic 

Andy Murray will bid to become the first man to beat Novak Djokovic in 2011 when they’ll clash in the semi-finals of the Rome Masters. Murray accomplished something already in Rome, he is the first British player to reach the semi-finals in 79 years. Although he hit only five unforced errors in the first set, Murray easily lost the opening set under a hot sun and needed some time to figure out how to play against the German. But after he found his depth in shots and rhythm from the back of the court he controlled the match and playing smarter. The win must give him some confidence against a player who is boost with a high morale and confidence in his game.

Also the emotions will count in this match, after Djokovic derailed the Britt in the final of Australian Open and if Murray will found a way to let those emotions behind him he isn’t without chances here.

The Britt has a backhand matching the one of the Serb and he can resist well from the back of the court in long exchanges, he showed that in Monte Carlo against Nadal, and the match will be played in the night session when will not be so hot. The Serb has more stings on serve these days while on retrieving both can be sharp, the Britt needs to be patient and attack more on forehand side then backhand where the Serb looks sharper, he needs to play with long and middle shots and not offer angles and a lot will depend by the first set, Murray can take this one and we expect a tougher match.

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