Beijing: Rafael Nadal, the world number one sailed his way into the final of the China Open despite being forced into the third set by Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final on saturday. Nadal beat the Bulgarian 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 to set up a final clash against Australian Nick Kyrgios on Sunday.
The match however, looked like it will be an easy victory for the Spaniard after he ran through the opening set. But, Grigor came back in style with some powerful back hand strikes as well as few fore hands.
The third set again completely belonged to Nadal as he raced to a 4-0 lead in the final set and from there dropped only one game to come out as victorious.
Nadal who is making a comeback after a injury driven previous season has already won the US Open and the French Open this year. He has also already won 60 matches this year and will another win in he trot. Having win the China Open earlier in 2005, he will be eager to win his second China Open and sixth title thus season.
With most of his competitors such as Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, China Open defending champion Andy Murray and Japanese star Kei Nishikori all out injured, Nadal looks all set to have another great year ahead.
Federer is however set to return in Shanghai next week and will participate in the Shanghai Open.
Meanwhile in the women’s singles category, Simona Halep raced to the final and will take on Caroline Garcia on Sunday. The win in the semi-final against Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 also made her the WTA top ranked women in the world.
The Romanian Halep dominated the match right from the start breaking her opponent’s serve in the very first game and easily won the first set. But, in the second set she surrendered a 3-2 lead. However came back late to win the match.