Defending champion Rafael Nadal was beaten today by Mikhael Youzhny 7-6(5) 6-2. In a repeat of the US Open quarterfinals last year, Youzhny dominated the rallies with his powerful drives off both wings to send the world number 2 out of the tournament.

With a break of serve being exchanged early on, Youzhny dominated the tie-break; taking it 7-5 on a Hawkeye decision which ruled a Youzhny backhand drive to be in.

The second set saw the Russian buoyed by the support of his raucous fans break the Spaniard with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner.

Having saved a match point when serving at 2-5, Nadal proceeded to save three consecutive match points on Youzhny's serve as the Russian suddenly developed an acute bout of the collywobbles. An ace up the T brought match point number 4 which Nadal saved; an identical ace produced a fifth match point which the rampaging Nadal eradicated with an incredible running forehand crooscourt pass that brought the fans to their feet. Following a service winner, Nadal faced a sixth and final match point. With an uninhibited forehand winner down the line the jubilant Russian progressed to a semi-final showdown with Robin Soderling and celebrated with his trademark military salute to all corners of the court.

Andre Jones

Dubai

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