Italian Open: Djokovic, Nadal sweep into semis as Federer, Osaka pull out injured
World number one Novak Djokovic saved two match points against former U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro to advance to the semi-finals of the Italian Open in a three-set Roman thriller on Friday as defending champion Rafael Nadal swept through without dropping a set.
But Swiss star Roger Federer and women's world number one Naomi Osaka both pulled out injured from the last warm-up tournament before the French Open starting in just over a week.
Djokovic saved match points in the second set tie-break before winning through 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, sealing victory with an ace on his first match point after a three-hour battle.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina at Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 17, 2019. /VCG Photo
Eight-time champion Nadal came through 6-4, 6-0 against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco to set up a rematch with Greek rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the final.
Tsitsipas advanced after Federer – returning to clay after a two-year absence – retired with a right leg injury before their game.
"I am not 100 percent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play," said 37-year-old Federer.
Roger Federer of Switzerland wipes his face during his Italian Open match against Joao Sousa of Portugal in Rome, Italy, May 16, 2019. /VCG Photo
For 32-year-old Nadal, it is his fourth straight semi-final on clay this season, but he has not managed to go further before his bid for a 12th French Open title at Roland Garros, starting on May 26.
Tsitsipas stunned Nadal in last week's Madrid Open semi-finals before falling to Novak Djokovic but lost to the Spaniard in the Australian Open semis earlier this year.
"It's good news I have been able to be back again in the semi-finals, another three straight victories," said second seed Nadal.
"So for me personally, every victory gives me confidence for the next one."
Naomi Osaka of Japan attends a press conference to explain her withdraw from the Italian Open because of her right-hand injury, in Rome, Italy, May 17, 2019. /VCG Photo
Reigning U.S. and Australian Open champion Osaka had earlier said she could not compete because of a problem with her right hand.
"I woke up this morning and I couldn't really move my thumb," the 21-year-old said.
"I tried to practice and grip my racket and I just felt this pain every time I tried to move my hand in different directions."
Osaka said she could stay in Rome before going on to the French Open, but did not rule out competing at Roland Garros.