Nadal whips Joker

Nadal whips Joker
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Highlights

If anyone had any doubts about the abilities of Spaniard, Rafael Nadal making a full-fledged comeback to top grade action, then he eclipsed on such doubts here. The former World Number One demolished his nemesis Novak Djokovic in the much-hyped showdown at the Rogers Cup. He will clash against local contender Milos Raonic in the title clash.

If anyone had any doubts about the abilities of Spaniard, Rafael Nadal making a full-fledged comeback to top grade action, then he eclipsed on such doubts here. The former World Number One demolished his nemesis Novak Djokovic in the much-hyped showdown at the Rogers Cup. He will clash against local contender Milos Raonic in the title clash.

Nadal held off a surging Djokovic to win 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2) in a pulsating semifinal that resembled a heavyweight boxing showdown with the duo trading breathtaking winners. The victory was Nadal's second successive over Djokovic at this stage of a tournament following his epic five-set triumph on clay at the French Open in June.

"To beat Novak on any surface is very important," Nadal said in a courtside interview. "His level is always high and you have to play well ... almost perfect to beat him." Raonic had earlier advanced to his first Masters series final when he recovered from a mid-match slump to win a third set tiebreak 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) against wildcard and compatriot Vasek Pospisil.

Raonic needed all his superior experience to win through, as Pospisil, ranked 71st, fought from a set down to nearly pull off an upset. He made the more assured start in front of a large and vocal crowd, basking in the knowledge that a Canadian winner was assured.

A solitary break of serve was all that separated the two in the opening set as Pospisil adopted an aggressive approach that produced mixed results.He capitalised on some sloppy play from Raonic to win the second set and force a decider that went the distance.

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