Nadal Loses; Federer Makes it to Qatar Semis

January 8, 2009; Doha, Qatar – It’s a good start for Roger Federer but a bumpy one for Rafael Nadal, as the two tennis stars competed in the Qatar Open on Thursday. Nadal is currently the No. 1 Pro in the world rankings, a position that Federer, currently World’s No.2, vows to snatch this year.

Nadal lost to French Wild Card Player Gael Monfils on Thursday at the Qatar Open, 6-4, 6-4. It was an expected win for Monfils, who had a strong lead against Nadal with 35 winners after two sets; Nadal only managed 10. The Spaniard had a rough start in the first set, being broken twice, while the second set suffered as much.

Federer, on the other hand, defeated German athlete Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-2, 7-6 (6); the triumph advances the Swiss star to the semifinals, the springboard event for the Australian Open. Determined to fulfill his goal in reclaiming the top spot, Federer is happy with the turnout of his game. “I had a strong finish; I want to win the title,” he said. Federer will face Andy Murray in the next match.

Despite his loss Nadal feels positive about his play; saying that, “I am happy with my game; maybe I just need more time in court.”

Monfils, who is playing as a wild card, says he engineered his game pretty well. “I had an almost perfect start to the match and I played well on most points,” he said. The Frenchman will face Andy Roddick in the semis.