World No. 2 Rafael Nadal finished his journey at the ATP World Tour Finals with three defeats after losing to world No.3 Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 6-3 in his last group match on Friday. The Spaniard, who went down to Russian Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Soderling of Sweden in straight sets in previous rounds, was out of the semifinals even before the encounter with Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their ATP World Tour Finals Group B Singles third round match in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 27, 2009. Nadal lost 0-2
"It's not very disappointing," said Nadal after suffering another straight set defeat. "It's disappointing if you arrive here with the feeling that you have a big chance to win. But I didn't arrive here with that feeling. I know before the tournament that going to be really tough, difficult. But I tried. Every day I tried my best." As the defending champion, the 22-year-old Djokovic also failed to make the semifinals after last year's runner-up Davydenko outclassed world No. 9 Soderling 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in Friday's final match.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia (R) is congratulated by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their ATP World Tour Finals Group B Singles third round match in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 27, 2009. Djokovic won 2-0
Soderling, replacing injured world No. 6 Andy Roddick to make his debut at the season finale, has already secured his place in the last four after two straight-set victories. Davydenko is going to play world No. 1 Roger Federer and Soderling will meet Juan Martin del Potro in Saturday's semifinals.