Rafa routs Robredo to set up Gasquet semi

 

Originally published on: 05/09/13 00:00

The world No.2 stormed to a 6-0 6-2 6-2 victory in just one hour and 34 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with Richard Gasquet.

Robredo, 31, is in the form of his life after beating five-time champion Roger Federer in the fourth round, but he had no answer to Nadal, who burst out of the blocks, winning the opening eight games before cruising to victory.

Still unbeaten on hard courts in 2013, Nadal, whose winning streak now stands at 20 matches, is yet to drop a service game at Flushing Meadows.

"I think I played my best match of the US Open this year," Nadal said. "I am very happy with the way that I moved myself on court, very happy that the way I hit my forehand and my backhand especially."

"I started a little bit tight, and he was up very quick. Then there was nothing else to do, he was too good," Robredo admitted. "I wasn't able to get into the rhythm… and he was hitting very, very fast and with a lot of confidence."

Nadal will meet Gasquet in the semi-finals after the Frenchman upset fourth seed David Ferrer 6-3 6-1 4-6 2-6 6-3.

"Even if I was leading two sets to love I knew it was David Ferrer. I knew he's a big fighter so I knew it was not over," Gasquet said. "I knew I was so close to winning this match, and I fight a lot to finish. Especially at 5-3 I was a little bit nervous to go in the semis of US Open, and I managed to do it. It's a big victory for me."

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