Nadal Advances to Sony Open Men’s Final with Walkover

Rafael Nadal has advanced to the men’s final at the Sony Open… without breaking a sweat.

The 27-year-old Spanish tennis star, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, will meet Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final after both their opponents pulled out of the semifinals in Miami.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal advanced without hitting a single ball after Tomas Berdych was laid low by gastroenteritis.

“I woke up at 7.30am with pain in my stomach,” said the Czech seventh seed.

Djokovic, the second seed, progressed when Japan’s Kei Nishikori withdrew from their match with a groin injury.

“I couldn’t move from side to side,” said the 20th seed. “I am disappointed about not getting a chance to play.”

Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the 40th time on Sunday, with the Spaniard 22-17 ahead in their personal battle but having lost the last two encounters.

Leave a Reply