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

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.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Tim Henman’s prediction as Serena Williams returns at Wimbledon
Williams will have to wait until Tuesday to play her first singles match in 12 months after she limped out of Wimbledon last year.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Emma Raducanu set for Centre Court debut John Lloyd makes bold Andy Murray prediction
Raduanu will make her Wimbledon Centre Court debut against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck.
-
News
Petra Kvitova sounds Wimbledon warning with Eastbourne title win
Kvitova controlled a one-sided encounter from the outset en route to triumphing 6-3 6-2.
-
News
Serena Williams on working vacation at All England Club
The 40-year-old is playing in her first singles tournament for a year.
-
News
‘Fearless’ Jodie Burrage wants to show what she can do at Wimbledon
The British number five, who has a flat in SW19, will break into the world’s top 150 on Monday.
-
News
Wimbledon’s Centre Court scheduling still skewed to favour men
The All England Club is celebrating 100 years of its main show court in 2022.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray pays tribute to motherly Sue Barker ahead of her final Wimbledon
Former World No 1 Andy Murray and…
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios a ‘legit contender’ according to Special Ks partner
The other half of the Special Ks has put his tag team partner over.
-
Wimbledon
Being an inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur
Being a role model and inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur.
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.