Nadal can cut it - Spaniard shows his class on grass and sends Federer a warning

13 April 2012

Rafael Nadal sent an ominous message across the Channel to Roger Federer yesterday. One week after masterminding the destruction of the world No 1 on the claycourts of the French Open, Nadal has positioned himself to win his first grasscourt title, the Artois Championships, at Queen's Club in London today when he meets Novak Djokovic.

No one has ever won the French Open and the Queen's Club title in the same summer and Nadal said: 'Before now, I would have said it was impossible. But I think I have improved my tennis and I'm feeling more comfortable on grass. I am serving very well. I've only lost my serve once this week.'is on the verge of winning his first grass-court title after an impressive victory over defending champion Andy Roddick in the semi-finals of the Artois Championships.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after beating Andy Roddick

Rafael Nadal celebrates after beating Andy Roddick

Be afraid, Federer. Be very afraid. Nadal won a standing ovation for the manner in which he dismantled the game of Andy Roddick, four times winner of this championship in the past five years, and twice runner-up to Federer at Wimbledon. Roddick, who had not dropped his own service until he met Nadal, took brutal punishment as the Spaniard won 7-5, 6-4.

"Rafa's just so match sharp right now," admitted the American. "He's almost in cruise control."

Andy Roddick his a double handed backhand in against Nadal

Andy Roddick his a double handed backhand in against Nadal

The 22-year-old from Majorca has won 11 matches in three weeks, making a seamless transformation from clay to grass. Only Bjorn Borg has stepped successfully from the red dirt at Roland Garros and then won his next tournament on grass. But Borg never felt confident enough to put his game on the line between the French Open and Wimbledon.

After winning in Paris, the Swede always insisted on two weeks of intensive practice on grass at the Cumberland Club, north London. Nadal has made the switch without the slightest downturn of form or belief. Not unreasonably, he craves a few days at home in Manacor, but he is content to wait until tomorrow.

"For sure, I'm a little tired, I need some days off, but I feel better today than some days ago," he said.

His buoyant mood cannot be deflated, no matter the result against Djokovic. "Having five matches here is perfect," said Nadal. "It's going to be a tough final against Novak. I try my best to win but if I lose I'm going home happy about my tournament." Nobody will argue with that statement, least of all Federer. Yesterday in Halle, Germany, the Wimbledon champion for the past five years stretched his own winning streak on grass to 58 matches by beating Nicolas Keifer 6-1, 6-4.

Not unnaturally, the bookmaking fraternity loyally retain Federer as the favourite to win Wimbledon for an historic sixth straight occasion. And Federer refuses to be intimidated by Nadal's form, insisting last night: "I already know he can play on grass, but Queen's is not Wimbledon." But Federer is a realist. And Nadal and Djokovic have illustrated that they intend to expose his monopoly at the All England Club to a greater threat than ever.

Djokovic demonstrated all his qualities as he annihilated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-1, 6-0 in 47 minutes. "Confidence is a very important factor and I came here this year as a Grand Slam winner, and the third player in the world,' said the Serb. 'It changes quite a lot. In the end, this is a very mental game."

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