Nadal overpowers Murray to reach the finals in London

Rafael Nadal advanced to the finals of the ATP World Tour Finals in London by defeating Andy Murray in a hard fought semi-final encounter. The Nadal-Murray showdown lived to its hype as both players played their best tennis of the tournament. Nadal eventually prevailed 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-6 (8-6).

The first set ran into the tie-break and Nadal eventually won it 7-5 in a thrilling display of grit and aggression. Nadal was 4-2 up in the tie-break before Murray launched some breathtaking ground strokes and passing to make it 5-5. Rafa then won the set with a drop-shot. The second set completely belonged to Murray as he broke Rafa twice to win the set 6-3, to set up a thrilling final set.

Nadal broke Murray in the third game to go 2-1 up and it all looked set for Nadal to wrap up the match before Murray fought back to square the set at five games all. Murray saved a match-point at 4-5 down to set up a tie break in the third set. Nadal finally managed to hold of Murray by winning it by 8-6 and thus managing to reach his first tour finals.

Nadal will play the winner of the match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on Sunday in the final. A victory here would seal off a heroic season for Nadal in which he has managed to win three of the four grand slams.