Rafael Nadal takes swipe at his critics after powering past Stan Wawrinka in Madrid

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal press conference

Rafael Nadal has taken a veiled swipe at his critics in the media after powering past Stan Wawrinka to advance into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.

The Spaniard is yet to claim a clay court title this season after losing out in the last four in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, leading many to wonder whether his ‘King of Clay’ days may be starting to look numbered.

However, he was in superb form against Wawrinka, blasting him aside 6-1, 6-2.

“He (Wawrinka) was playing really good,” Nadal told the media after the match. “I was expecting a tough match today.

“I knew that I had to play a little better and fortunately it is has been a good day for me. I have been lucky.

“It was an important day for me that I think I have been able to work through to the next stage.

“And this gives me the possibility to be in a semi-final, which is the third consecutive in the last few weeks.

“And I know for a few of you guys it might seem very little, this, due to everything I have been able to achieve during this last year on this surface, but I come from a complicated month with a lot of physical struggles.

“To be able to compete every single week I have been competing is a step forward for me.”

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