Rafael Nadal the world number one earlier, beat Grigor Dimitrov to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters. This is recorded to be his 15th consecutive win registered yet. This defeat was by no means swift as the Spaniard won Dimitrov to a 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 in two hours and 35 minutes game.
It is recorded that Nadal, has never won the Shanghai Masters. He will face the number four seed Marin Cilic in the semi-finals.
In another update, the number sixteen seed Juan Martin del Potro overcame a wrist injury worry to beat Victor Troicki a Serbian to a 4-6 6-1 6-4. Similarly, Briton Jamie Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares are also through to the doubles semi-finals with a 6-1 7-6 (8-6) victory over their counterpart Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram.
This victory will position them for a possible third Grand Slam as they qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London this coming month. Nadal flashed through the first set but was unable to break Dimitrov in the second, later the Bulgarian became strong in the tie-break to force a deciding set which affords the Spaniard a victory. Del Potro's wrist recent three surgeries had an effect on his backhand, leaving him to consider retirement after the tournament even having had a relapse in the third set when he slipped backwards appearing to support his fall with his injured wrist.
Not relenting, Del Potro recovered strongly to finish top against Troicki launching two big to break his serve, thereafter held the game to a love in the next game. Del Potro will next play legendary Roger Federer at the semi's. It would be recalled that he had beaten him at the US Open quarter-finals just last month and may likely encounter a tougher resistance from Federer.
