Nadal wins Abu Dhabi exhibition

ABU DHABI: Top-ranked Rafael Nadal started 2011 with a win over his main rival, beating Roger Federer 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3) yesterday to defend his title at the invitational World Tennis Championships.

Both players held serve throughout the match, and Federer had the early momentum in the first tiebreaker, hitting a couple of blistering forehand winners to go up 3-0. But Nadal won the next five points and clinched the set when the Swiss hit a forehand long.

In the second tiebreaker, Nadal went up 3-1 with a drop volley and Federer sent his return long on the next point. The Spaniard then set up match point with a crosscourt forehand winner and converted it when Federer hit a forehand long.

“For both of us, these are the first matches of the season. So it is special for us,” Nadal said.

“This is the perfect place to start the season here in Abu Dhabi.”

Davydenko vs Nadal Highlights - Qatar Open 2010 Final

Davydenko vs Nadal Highlights - Qatar Open 2010 Final



DOHA, Qatar (AP)—Nikolay Davydenko saved two match points Saturday before rallying to upset second-ranked Rafael Nadal 0-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4 in the final of the Qatar Open.

Davydenko led 4-1 in the second-set tiebreaker but unforced errors allowed Nadal to twice serve for the match. However, the Spaniard sprayed his returns wide, and Davydenko broke two times to Nadal’s one in the third set to close it out.