China 2013 ATP Open - Rafael Nadal Vs Tomas Berdych (4 - 2) Dateline: Saturday, Oct 5, 2013 (5:30am)

Rafael Nadal won the semifinal by default, as opponent Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic retired at 2-4 due to injury, to reach the final at the China Open, thereby securing his return to the World No. 1 spot in the Emirates singles ranking.

Rafa played well before the end of the match, breaking Berdych’s serve twice. Although he was broken back once, he seemed to be in form and ready to take the first set. At 4-2 (Rafa), however, Berdych sought a trainer and then took an MTO (Medical Time Out) off court. He returned to the match but could not sustain his level of play and retired.

Rafa will next play the winner of the semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet at the China Open Final scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday Oct 6, 2013. Regardless of the outcome of the final tomorrow, Rafael Nadal, by this victory over Berdych, has already secured enough points to overtake Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings.

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal – it has a great ring to it! Rafa! Vamos!

Gud 4 him