Yesterday (January 8) was a good day for tennis champ Roger Federer, but not so much for top-ranked Rafael Nadal at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Nadal was eliminated yesterday after being defeated by Gael Monfils of France 6-4, 6-4. Federer defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-2, 7-6 (8-6).

Next, Federer will face Andy Murray and Monfils will play Andy Roddick in the semifinals.

Source: Seattle Times

Image Credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Roger Federer Advances to Semifinals at Qatar Open

The 2009 Exxon Mobil Qatar Open in Doha has been a good start to the tennis season for Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

Murray sent Albert Montanes of Spain home with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.

"”It is tough when the sun goes down. It becomes windy. When the sun is out, the balls are pretty fast but when it goes down, your body becomes a little stiff and balls become heavy too. But I was okay for the majority of the match and I am happy about that,” " Murray said.

More results and pictures below.

Nadal had his first win of the season and what an easy one it was. In only 46 minutes he defeated Frenchman Fabrice Santoro 6-0, 6-1.

“I’m happy of the way I played today. But it’s tough to say how far I am from my best level. Doha is a great place to start the season. It’s only about six hours flight from home,” said Nadal.

Federer defeated Potito Starace of Italy, 6-2, 6-2, and had an impressive start to the season.

"It’s good to start the year with a win. The conditions were tough. It was cold and windy. For your first match you always feel the nerves. You’re always careful when you start playing points. But I practiced enough, giving myself enough opportunity for matchplay." said Federer.

The tournament goes until January 10th. Stay tuned for more results.

Source: QatarOpen.org

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 Exxon Mobil Qatar Open – Update #1