Andy Murray reaches the final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship after defeating Rafael Nadal in straight sets; the Briton looked in fine touch against the 20-time Grand Slam champion and he will now play Andrey Rublev on Saturday
Friday 17 December 2021 19:31, UK
Andy Murray made it two wins in as many days with an entertaining display to defeat Rafael Nadal on the Spaniard's comeback from injury at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The Scot showed some vintage touches during his 6-3 7-5 victory against old foe Nadal, who was playing his first match after recovering from a persistent foot problem which kept him out of the US Open.
He also missed Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics in order to rest his body so he can prolong his career.
"Me and Rafa have played so many tough matches over the years. Both of us have gone through injury troubles and it's just great to have the opportunity to be with him on court again," said Murray.
More than five years on from their last meeting, both players made impressive starts but the Scot's superior match practice told as he saved a break point in the third game of the match and then broke himself to easily claim the first set.
Nadal battled valiantly in the second set and saved a number of break opportunities, but it was Murray who secured the crucial break at 5-5 before serving out to secure victory in an hour and 50 minutes.
"Special to be back in a competition, at the same time we haven't played each other in a while. Super happy to be seeing Andy playing at this great level," said Nadal.
"For me, this is a comeback. It wasn't a bad match for me. After a long time on a professional court, so positive feelings."
Rublev defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 6-4 in the other semi-final.
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