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Friday, January 9, 2009

Nadal loses, Federer advances at Qatar Open


DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was eliminated from the Qatar Open on Thursday, while Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the tuneup for the Australian Open.

Nadal lost to Gael Monfils of France 6-4, 6-4, and Federer saved three set points to defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-2, 7-6 (6). The Swiss star trailed 5-1 and 6-3 in the tiebreaker, reeling off five straight points to win.

``I had a strong finish,'' Federer said. ``I am not thinking ahead. I want to win the title.''

Federer will face Andy Murray, who defeated Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-4, 6-2.

Nadal, who cruised through his first two matches of the season-opening event, was broken twice in the first set and once in the second. He finished with only 10 winners, while Monfils had 35.

``Today wasn't my day,'' Nadal said. ``Monfils served really well. If he wants to improve his ranking, he will have to play like he did today. I knew it won't be easy at the start of the season, but I am happy with my game.''

The 14th-ranked Frenchman had eight aces to none for Nadal. Monfils, who reached the 2006 Qatar Open final, is playing as a wild card.

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