Nadal Tested; Hewitt Rallies on Grass

The grass action is hot and heavy at Queen’s with all the big names coming out to play. Rafael Nadal reached the quarterfinals after getting pushed to three sets by up-and-comer Kei Nishikori. The Japanese player lost the first set 3-6 but rallied to take the second 6-4 before bowing out to Nadal in a 3-6 deciding set.

Nishikori turned pro a year ago and claims Nadal “as his idol.” Not too bad of a showing in the first meeting if you ask me.

Lleyton Hewitt fought his way past Paul-Henri Mathieu for a 6-4, 6-4 trip to the quarters. Hewitt was down 4-1 early in the first set but leveled it at 4-all before ripping off the final two games to win the first set.

Andy Roddick, last year’s champion at Queen’s, won the first set on a tiebreak against Mardy Fish when Fish withdrew due to injury. Roddick will be facing a fellow Andy in the quarters. Andy Murray gutsied his way through a 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 match against Ernests Gulbis. Murray struggled with injuries from head to toe but managed to pull the win and the trip to the quarters.

Who’s going to win Queen’s? Roddick and Hewitt have both won here multiple times. Rafa is coming off arguably his best clay season ever. Murray is – well – Murray. I don’t expect him to win…but who knows? This is tennis for a reason people.

(Image: Newscom)
Lleyton Hewitt zeroes in on a return at Queen’s.