Nadal storms into semis

Nadal: Good form

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
Friday 19th
9pm Sky Sports 4

Also see

• Results
• ATP Schedule
• Tennis on Sky
• Messageboards
• Bet on Tennis

Defending champion Rafael Nadal maintained his fine form at Indian Wells with a strong straight sets victory over Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals.

Spanish star Nadal has been looking good since coming back from a knee injury, and he had to be at his best to record a 6-4 7-6 success over Berdych.

World number three Nadal saved all but two of the seven break points the 19th-seeded Czech had on him, to seal victory in two hours and 11 minutes.

Next up for the title holder will be a semi-final clash with big-hitting Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, but Nadal is happy with his form so far.

"It was a very good match," said Nadal. "I played really well, especially the first set. The first eight, nine games of the match was (played at an) unbelievable level.

High level

"Later the wind came a little bit and it was more difficult to play. But anyway, we were still playing, keep playing at high level, and this is very important.

"[It is] very good news for me to be in semi-finals."

Victory in the semis against Ljubicic on Saturday would secure the Spaniard a third appearance in the final at Indian Wells in four years.

"I like to be here and I like to have a match to fight to try to be in this final," Nadal added. "Any opponent is going to be really difficult.

"He's playing well with from the baseline. It's going to be difficult match. I think I am playing well too, no?

"I'm gonna try my best to try to be in this final."

Ljubicic power

Croatian Ljubicic only faced one break point in three sets as he completed a trademark big-serving win over Juan Monaco to reach the semis.

The Argentinian, seeded 21st, made a bright start and, despite winning just eight points on the Ljubicic serve in the first set, managed to string enough together to earn a break of serve and take the set 6-4.

But Ljubicic came back in style, winning 16 of 19 service points in the second set to prevail 6-2 and level the match.

And the 20th seed was just as dominant in the third, breaking twice more to complete a 4-6 6-2 6-1 triumph in one hour and 47 minutes.

Ljubicic has enjoyed himself at Indian Wells down the years having reached the quarter-finals three times and fourth round twice in his last five appearances.

"The conditions suit my game perfectly," he said. "It's nice and dry. The ball goes through the air pretty quickly.

"The court is slow enough so I can return well, as well. It's just perfect. It's definitely the favourite place for me to play matches, of course."