Nadal, Murray through to Rotterdam semifinals

Nadal, Murray through to Rotterdam semifinals

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the quarterfinal of the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and second-seeded Andy Murray both scored hard-fought victories to reach the semifinals of the 1.44-million-euro ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on Friday.

Nadal, the newly crowned Australian Open champion, was extended Friday evening to three sets by No. 7 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, but eventually won 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4. This is the second consecutive three-set match for the world's best player in as many days.


Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts during his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.

World No. 4 Murray won the first set against unseeded Frenchman Gael Gicquel 7-6, but Gicquel took the second set 6-4. When Murray was 3-0 up in the deciding set, Gicquel retired citing a left groin injury.

In an afternoon quarterfinal match, Croatia's unseeded Mario Ancic beat Russia's Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets, 6-4 , 6-2.

In a late-night all-French quarterfinal, 5th seeded Gael Monfils will take on Julien Benneteau.

In Saturday's semifinals, Murray will take on Ancic, while Nadal will face the winner of the Monfils-Benneteau match.


Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during his quarterfinal match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Fe比 13, 2009.


Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France reacts during his quarterfinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.


Andy Murray of Britain reacts during his quarterfinal tennis match against Marc Gicquel of France at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb. 13, 2009.


Marc Gicquel of France reacts hits a backhand during his quarterfinal tennis match against Andy Murray of Britain at the World Indoor Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam Feb。 13, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)