The world number 106th Nicolas Mahut of France packed down the Spaniard and World No 2, Rafael Nadal in the straight sets to book a semifinal clash with fellow countryman Arnaud Clement in the Artois Champinships at Queens Club.
It wasn’t the same Nadal, that had outclassed the top ranked Roger Federer in the final showdown at Roland Garros. May be the change of turf caused the Spaniard some difficulty and ultimately the game.
Mahut’s 7-5, 7-6 win over Nadal, probably was his best effort so far in his career. Earlier he crushed the 5th seed Ivan Liubicic.
On the other hand, second seed American Andy Roddick struggled to get over Croatian teen Marin Cilic in the quarterfinals. After winning the first set 6-4, Roddick was trailing 2-4 in the second, but pulled things back timely to set himself a semifinal clash with Tursunov.
Roddick has won three Queens title and after Nadal’s exit he might clinch his fourth one without much of a struggle.
