6 unlikely players who defeated Rafael Nadal at a Grand Slam

4. David Ferrer

David Ferrer got his second grand slam victory against his compatriot in straight sets

Australian Open 2011 Quarterfinal – David Ferrer def. Rafeal Nadal 6-4, 6-2, 6-3

This was the third time Nadal and Ferrer would lock horns in a Grand Slam. Both players had won a match each in their previous two encounters.

Ferrer’s fierce start set the tone for the match. The two players exchanged breaks of serve twice in the opening set. But Ferrer pressed Nadal at 5-4 to get a set point, and converted it after Nadal sent his forehand wide.

At 1-1 in the second set, Nadal broke Ferrer to lead 2-1, but Ferrer broke back to level 2-2. From then on, Ferrer went on a rampage and Nadal couldn’t come to terms with the looming disaster. He was broken twice and lost the set 6-2.

The third set also saw Ferrer dominating Nadal. Ferrer’s forehand was on song, and he broke Nadal in the second game and consolidated by holding his serve to get a 3-0 lead. After this onslaught, Nadal couldn’t mount a comeback and went on to lose the set 6-3 and with it the match in straight sets.