Rafael Nadal Says He’s Playing Perfect Tennis

Rafael Nadal sent a strong message last night to the field after destroying his countryman Tommy Robredo 60, 62, 62 to reach the US Open semifinals.

Robredo, who just beat 5-time US Open champion Roger Federer on Monday, was no match for Nadal who improved his impeccable record on hardcourts this year to 20-0. Nadal afterward said some of the tennis he played last night was his best of the season.

“I think I played great the first set,” said Nadal. “It’s my first set so far this year 100%. I’m very happy the way I played the first set, I think. I did all the things that you expect to do good in the first set, in my opinion. 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.

“So in general it was my best match of the tournament, so that’s great news to be in quarterfinals and played my best match of the tournament. But every day, no, just happy. To be in the semifinals is very important result for me. Is fantastic win, so just enjoy it today.”

Nadal will meet junior rival Richard Gasquet in the semifinals on Saturday. The Frenchman ousted Spanish No. 2 David Ferrer in five sets earlier in the day.

“If I don’t play great match against Richard, I will see the final on TV,” Nadal joked. “I am focus only to play great match in semifinals against Richard.”

“I hope to be at my 100%. That’s the only way I feel I’m going to have my chance in that match.”