DHAKA: World number one Rafael Nadal was given a sterner test than expected as world number 162 Peter Gojowczyk took him to three sets before giving way 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Qatar Open semi-final.

Nadal lost 12 of the first 13 points before losing the opener, but came back strongly in the second.

German Gojowczyk kept battling however and broke Nadal`s serve early in the decider before he was overwhelmed.

Nadal will play France`s Gael Monfils in Saturday`s final.

Monfils beat Germany`s Florian Mayer, who knocked out Britain`s Andy Murray in the second round, in the day`s second semi-final 6-3 6-2.

 Although the world number 31 has lost eight of his 10 meetings with Nadal, both Monfils`s victories came in previous editions of the Doha tournament.

Nadal admitted that he may be vulnerable to another defeat after undergoing fresh treatment on his long-standing knee complaint during the brief break between seasons.

"I need to play much better to have a chance tomorrow," he said.

"If I don`t improve my level of tennis, my level of rhythm, and play more inside the baseline my chances of winning will not be big.

"I never win a title in the first week of the season, and tomorrow I have another opportunity."

The Australian Open, the opening Grand Slam of the season, begins in Melbourne on 13 January.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1310 HRS, JAN 04, 2014
AKA