Rafael Nadal has been beaten in the third round of the Shanghai Masters, 7-6, 6-3 by 15th seed Florian Mayer. Murray's quality too good for Wawrinka and Ferrer qualifies for the end of season championships.
The World No. 2 had previously commented in a press conference that "Rafa 2010 had something more special than Rafa 2001, especially in tough situations." He was not lying to us. I respect his honesty. Rafa of 2010 would not have lost to Florian Mayer today.
Mayer's big serve and strong mental composure seemed too much for the top seed. Nadalsaved a few set points at 4-5 and used the momentum to gain a 4-2 lead in the first set tie-break. However, Mayer saw his opportunity and took it. He won the next 5 out of 6 points to take the first set in just over an hour. Mayer broke in the seventh game of the second set and kept his nerve to finish out a fantastic win.
"For sure it is the biggest win of my career. I cannot actually believe it," said the German. "But the tournament goes on tomorrow so I have to stay focused for the rest of the week." Mayer believes his success could be due to some extra off court work. "I just am maybe a little bit fitter mentally and physically."
The World No. 23 and 15th seed at Shanghai is having his best year. Last month he won his first ATP title in Bucharest and reached a career high ranking of 18 back in June.
Andy Murray inconsistently beat Stanislaw Wawrinka today in three sets. Murray, who went two breaks up at the start of the match, eventually won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to face qualifier Matthew Ebden in the quarter finals.
This whole match was very strange. As soon as the commentators explained that Murray had been calm mentally he got very angry. Commentators curse. However, Murray still won against a dangerous opponent on a day when a couple of big seeds lost.
It was not the best performance. Even the most in-form players can have play badly. "It was just my timing that was a bit off," said Murray in his post match press conference. The Scot was chipping returns and allowed Wawrinka to dominate the rallies in the second set.
"I got myself pumped up right at the beginning of the third set," said Murray. "I started dictating a lot of points with my forehand and trying to get the first strike in 'cause the court is playing very fast." Murray did enough to win and that is what all counts in his bid to move up to No. 3 in the world rankings.
In other news, David Ferrer's victory over fellow countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero has guaranteed his place in the end of season championships. Ferrer did this hard way by saving three match points against an in-formed, dangerous opponent. Ferrer will next play Andy Roddick, the man who beat him in this year's US Open. Roddick had an impressive, disciplined, straight sets victory over 10th seeded Nicolas Almagro.
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