BEIJING - A semi-final showdown between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic looms after both made light work of Russians at the Olympic tennis tournament on Wednesday.
Spain's Nadal survived fierce early hitting from Igor Andreev before surging to a 6-4 6-2 victory and Serbia's Djokovic beat 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 6-3.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves to Mikhail Youzhny of Russia during their men's singles third round tennis match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 13, 2008. [Agencies] |
Both are in the quarter-finals where Nadal's opponent is Austria's Jurgen Melzer and Djokovic will play either David Nalbandian of Argentina or Gael Monfils, one of three Frenchman in the last 16.
Home fans were in good voice again on Centre Court when Li Na became the first Chinese player to reach the quarter-finals of an Olympic singles tournament.
Former world top-20 player Li began timidly against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia, dropping the opening set, before taking control and marching to a 4-6 6-2 6-0 victory.
Li Na of China returns the ball to Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during their women's singles third round tennis match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 13, 2008. [Agencies] |
"I couldn't find my rhythm at first, I was completely unfamiliar with her," Li told reporters. "But I took my chance and I'm so lucky to play on my home court with so many Chinese fans behind me."
China are hoping for two singles quarter-finalists with Zheng Zie up against sixth seed Dinara Safina of Russia later.
After dropping a set in his opening match against Italy's Potito Starace, Nadal has looked ominously in the groove.
He dismantled former world number one Lleyton Hewitt and stepped his game up another notch against Andreev to blunt the Russian's early onslaught.
Andreev's forehand is a destructive weapon against most players but Nadal thrives on adversity and kept firing back the Russian's best shots with interest.
After sharing the opening six games, Nadal made the breakthrough after a particularly fierce baseline exchange.
Nadal had problems at 5-4, when huge Andreev forehands conjured four break points, but the Spaniard dug himself out of trouble with help from his wasteful opponent.
A deflated Andreev faded away quickly in the muggy conditions, losing serve twice in the second set as Nadal romped to victory.
Top seed Roger Federer plays Tomas Berdych, the man who beat him in Athens four years ago, later and American sisters Serena and Venus Williams also play third-round matches.
