Day 6: Nadal v Ferrer Tennis: World Tour Finals

I don't think it gets much better than watching Rafael Nadal play.

Great hitting. Simple as that.

He's in complete control. Strong play from Nadal.

Never a bad time to see Rafa play. He is playing with hunger and some

fire and finally, some confidence. Good afternoon.

Yes, he is back. It is great for the game. Rafael Nadal is back in form.

He is one of the great entertainers in this sport. Tim and Andrew are

with me again. Andrew, it has been a tough year for him but over the last

two-and-a-half months he is regaining the confidence again?

Totally. No knee-jerk responses to anybody else's views about the way

he chooses his coach, his diet. He has stuck with his guns, preparing

for 2016 now. And maybe he is surprised at the form he is showing.

To beat Stanislas Wawrinka and Andy Murray in the same week in straight

sets it is one of the best weeks of his career. In terms the getting

himself back, he is back in position.

It looked like he was about to drop from the top ten? Unheard of! He set

the bar high. He has been playing since 15, 16. So to have a small dip

is not bad going. He was frank in March, when he said he was

struggling with confidence. But that is what he needed to regain. The

only way to regain that was match and tournament wins. As Andrew said,

it is great to see him playing so well. If you had said to me before

the matches between Murray and Wawrinka, I would have not been so

sure. But it Haas been great to watch.

Ladies and gentlemen, from Spain, David Ferrer!

APPLAUSE. Ladies and gentlemen, making his

seventh appearance, the winner of 67 title, including 14 Grand Slams

seventh appearance, the winner of 67 27 Masters trophies, from Spain,

APPLAUSE. Rafael Nadal!

APPLAUSE. So, Rafael Nadal is on court to face

his fellow countryman, David Ferrer. Now this match doesn't really mean a

lot in this tournament. Rafael Nadal is already through. But it is,

Andrew. It is about a lot of money, ranking points but for Rafa it is

about momentum and keeping the confidence going? The same situation

that Federer was in against Nishikori. It is about

self-motivation, keeping form and he doesn't want to lose to David

Ferrer, it is just that. David Ferrer has had much of an

impact on this court as elsewhere. He can give him a hard time. Rafael

Nadal has a hard time tomorrow. He is up against Novak Djokovic, will

he want to give everything today? I suspect he will, as it is the

competitor that he is. He may be tempted to back off. But perhaps not

so in his mind. And David Ferrer is a battler. He will want to come out

to win? Very much so. The match win is the equivalent of

making a final on the regular tour. So he wants to finish the year off

with another win. He has qualified for the World Tour Finals, it is a

fantastic achievement. From Rafa's point of view, with the semi-final

tomorrow, he will want to put in a disciplined performance, and get the

job done in straight sets, so he is not wasting energy ahead of the

match tomorrow. Everybody is ready for the coin toss

but not Rafa. He has to get the bottles in place. He has his little

superstitions but he must be ready. We can talk about that later on. But

here he comes. Gentlemen, it would be helpful in

you make your challenges clear and quick. Hawk-Eye is in place.

Furthermore, we have TV changeovers. Heads or tails? Heads it is calling.

Heads it is. OK a quick photo with Heather.

So, are they ready? Yeah, Rafa is getting ready.

Always ready for the first point, Rafa. So this is the match we have

today in this group. Tonight it will be Andy Murray against Stanislas

Wawrinka. today in this group. Tonight it will

be Andy Murray against Stanislas Wawrinka. As I said, Rafael Nadal is

through. But the winner of tonight's match goes through to the other

semi-finals to face Roger Federer. Andy Murray against Stanislas

Wawrinka, you can hear that at 8.00pm on Five Live Sports Extra.

So the semi-finals decided yesterday. Roger Federer went

through in the afternoon, Novak Djokovic went through in the evening

against Tomas Berdych. He needed one set. Winning it in 6-3 in 42

minutes. Tomas Berdych fought hard. Novak Djokovic had to fight hard,

winning 7-5. The world number one goes through in the semi-final as

second in the group. But delighted to be back in form after the lost

against Roger Federer. So, I mentioned the semi-final. Now

Rafael Nadal against Novak Djokovic, that will be the afternoon match but

over on BBC One at the same time, 2.00pm. So we are all ready for this

match. Rafael Nadal, we talk about the belief. And so many people, we

can talk about the physical ailments that people have, you have a physio

to get it right, a technical, you get in a coach but who helps you get

back your belief? It is very difficult. A break down in

confidence? It is the sum of thoughts. With Rafael Nadal winning

so many tournaments around the world, you would think he would have

so many positive thoughts. But with a few bad losses, doubts were

creeping into his mind. They were becoming an issue. When he was

playing the big points in the bigger matches he would be second-guessing

himself, maybe not going to the line, making a few unforced errors.

The problem then escalated. He has had problems. But he is back in

shape. His game is coming back. If he produces performances as he has

done against Stanislas Wawrinka and Andy Murray, that will be better for

his confidence. Superstitions are a big part of his

game. We spoke about the bottles? There is something for him to rely

on when the going gets tough. We talk about who helps you it is

psychological. But it is the sum of your thoughts, you sound like you

have dabbled in this area. I like it. But everybody gets through.

There is a pattern between points and a pattern. People take a certain

amount of time on a golf swing, that there is something you can rely on.

I'm impressed by how Rafa has changed little. He has worked

harder. I thought he would be gone at the top level but this week

convinced me he is definitely coming back. Roger Federer was saying this

last week, that he expects Rafa to have a big 2016. We all expect that.

Well it is great he is coming back. Superstitions are important. The

social media question is what is the quirkiest thing you have seen on the

court? So a couple of things to look out for in this match as far as

Rafael Nadal. There he is, it is the touch of the shorts, shoulder,

shoulder, nose, ears, neck, and then nose, and then a tap of the leg as

well. Eight different movements in that. Then the second serve, he

loses a few. This is the second serve. Still the shorts, still the

nose, Yep, bottom! But no nose, just the ears.

So when does a routine become a superstition and when is a routine

not a superstition. That is part of a routine. But for the bottles on

the change of ends, that is border line strain.

That is more a superstition. The others, I would like to give him the

benefit of the doubt. That is routine.

And this one, they must be put in a certain position from each other.

It is a feng shui thing he likes. There are a few players that have

gone past and knocked the bottles over to change his stride. But he

laughs. And hair is an issue. Rafa sweats a

lot. This is a way of getting the sweat out.

You are running this, you want to see it in slow motion.

So, that is how Rafa prepares at the change of ends. And aroundy, he was

really weird. A lock of hair. He didn't like it. I don't know who

carries scissors on to the court but he did. He got rid of that quick.

We need a whole beauty particle your on -- parlour on there.

I this it is interesting, especially when

I this it is interesting, especially If you want to get in touch, please,

you can. We would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Let's say a little bit about David Ferrer, what an amazing, good year

he has had. Always consistent. Not so much in the Grand Slams but five

titles? Exactly. How do you measure a career? Davis Cup record. He is

always part of the set up. The Grand Slams, the final of the French Open.

The consistency, 50 Grand Slams in a row until Wimbledon. He had to miss

one. If someone has maximised their talent, David Ferrer has.

He is always difficult to beet. You talk about his performance, week

in, week out, day in, day out. You talk about his performance, week

are very few dips. Where he struggles against the big players is

having the big weapon to do some damage. But this year, aged 33, five

titles, back at the World Tour Finals it is an incredible

achievement and a great role model for up and coming professionals.

And looking at the players, Rafa is back, Roger Federer, he still has

the motivation. They are still hungry. They have so much money,

they could easily give up, they have so much money, they could go to

Monte Carlo but they still have the passion? It is.

With the game, with the ambassadors at the top of the game it is

emphasising how difficult it is for the younger players to break into

this upper echelon of world tennis. But they set the bar. They continue

to play the best tennis. Long may it continue. As you can see by the

crowds, many people are keen to watch it.

I put Ferrer in that group. He was a finalist in the tournament in 2007.

He has not been in the final since, he will not but Rafa is certainly

looking to do it. He has won the group but he still wants to keep the

confidence going. Time for me to hand over to Tim and Andy.

Thank you very much. We should ask you if you have ever

had any quirky habits. Should have asked you that a minute ago.

Just warming up nicely. It wasn't a bad approach shot but

Rafa is able to bend that one around.

Oh! Hello. Keen to get the job done today.

Really stepping in and taking the ball on.

This is often a sign of confidence. The defence is there. A great

length. And then this one, perhaps earlier on in the season he may have

backed off a little bit there. Absolutely taking the ball on the

right. A good chance to go ahead.

A poor start for David Ferrer. I haven't checked the record books

on this, did you play Rafa? Yes, I did.

I played Rafa twice. I lost on both occasions.

Whereabouts did you play him? In a night match in Rome in the third

round. How old was he? I think he was...

I'm not sure. He was old enough. I think the match went on for about

an hour and 40 minutes. I was really chuffed but I lost 6-2, 6-2.

One was clay, the other was where? A hard court in Dubai. Any good? No, I

came second. What is it like to receive that

forehand. It seems to have a natural disguise, it has a lot of bend on

it. I tried to volley it. Once it

bounced, it was the work off the court. It was very difficult to

control. Going back a few years before Nadal,

there was a great Spanish clay-courter that everyone always

for gets, I think, Serge Griguerra. Boy, he could play.

Bruguerra certainly bridged the gap for Spain in the modern era.

He was quickly followed by the likes of Carlos Moya.

Juan Carlos Ferrero. Yes, there have been one or two!

Albert Costa. Did we say him? Carlos Costa, did you say that one? No, I

didn't say, Carlos, actually. Talk about confidence coming back to

Rafa's game. It looks so much freer. More aggressive going for the shots.

Both off the forehand and the backhand.

It must be such a relief for him. Because really the first time in his

career, he has had to face a crisis of confidence, has been this year.

This is a Spanish Davis Cup team that had to play in Denmark in

September, against Denmark. These two, they got the job done.

Ferrer is keen to win some points, let alone games.

The moment you see that whip coming out, I suppose you just have to pick

one direction or the other. Even then, even if you get to this, what

are you going to do to it? The length is good again here.

Zip! He doesn't seem in the mood to hang

about. To finish off the point about the Davis Cup. He has an unbeaten

streak of 22 matches in the Davis Cup. To ah go to Denmark after the

Davis Cup, to play for his country it is a good effort.

It certainly is. And right now, this type of tennis is as good as Rafa

can play, as good as most people can play. He is close to the line,

moving forward. Playing as if he thinks there is no

chance at all of losing this match it is a wonderful freedom.

Free the mind and the body follows. The muscles are working again. There

is no tightness. Whether he can follow this up in the semi-final

against Novak Djokovic. A block buster of the tour finals. 2.00pm,

BBC One. Do join us for that. will be quite something.

Pick a winner of that right now? Novak Djokovic or Nadal? I will take

Djokovic. He is my favourite for the tournament.

23-22, in their head to head. Amazing rivalry that they have got.

45 matches. Djokovic could tie it up at 23-23.

He was tied at, Djokovic, 21-21 with the Federer. He had

He was tied at, Djokovic, 21-21 with squeaking in front for the first

time but Federer had other ideas in the round-robin match.

The second oldest man in the tournament, David Ferrer. Still a

great turn of speed. Stepping it up, taking it on. Break point to make

himself that much a bigger part of this set. It must be exhausting

bouncing up and down like that! You can hear him in the background,

even if he is not in shot. Firmly delighted. Plenty of people

have gone against Nadal, especially on a clay-court it is a while since

the first game. He is always a player you feel will go through and

clock up a quick victory but perhaps not so today. 3-1 now.

To me, Nadal is flattening out his backhand. The meat, Ferrer needs to

open up down the line. But Rafa is really stepping in.

The players will adjust their game for different surfaces. When he won

his first US Open, he was serving quicker. Flatter. Yes, flatter, but

his forehand on the clay, there has never been a better shot in the

game. If you are going to build a game

plan against Nadal, the occasional serve and volley out to the back and

on the deuce court has got to be a tactic. But it is not something

Ferrer is comfortable with. I guess the other attack Dick is a

lot of aces. You would be a good coach, you would. Serve an ace!

Top two Spaniards going head to head here at the O2 arena. They are

ranked number five in the world, Nadal. Unbelievable, how many

players they continue to produce. Number three you have the Luciano

Orquera the Tommy Robredo is still playing a nice game of tennis. Why

there can't be a belt and how come it happens there and it doesn't

happen here and you have 20 seconds? Environment, it is part of

their culture. More people playing tennis, more of their best athletes

playing tennis. Clay courts, great surface to learn your trade. Great

role models. They have so many great players at the top of the game in

the last 15, 20 years. What did you mean by environment? Better club

structure, it is safe to say that climate helps, more people playing

tennis at the weekends, introducing youngsters to the game, more

tournaments. The clubs are more inviting than ours, places of social

interaction, families, good food, that sort of thing? That is right

and if you look at the numbers, if you think where tennis fits in to

our list of sports, it is a long way down the pecking order. Like France,

in France, tennis is the number one female sport, number two male sport.

Perfectly matched isn't he for this court surface. He still has a break

at 3-2. Very tidy, isn't he? You saw the

first 1213 points of the match and you thought it would be over

quickly. But Ferrer has done a great job of sticking in there and raising

his levels. Now three break points to get back

on level terms. Complete role reversal.

Brilliant game from Ferrer. Back on serve at three games all.

Brilliant game from Ferrer. Back on work from him. Sixth appearance, we

have had six appearances, work from him. Sixth appearance, we

in Shanghai as long ago as 2007. Hasn't lost a match when he has won

the first set, this year. 43 matches when he has won the first set, zero

loss. Andy Murray letters that. -- betters.

This guy has just given an absolute lesson in

This guy has just given an absolute there and try on every single point.

This guy has just given an absolute it? It is, simple. Such solid ground

strokes, serve starts the point but then he is just relentless. And that

is away and back is four games in a row. If Nadal thought he was in for

that's going to be the case today. Something of an advantage for Ferrer

to brag this with Nadal as much as he has. They know each other so

well. It is a ball he has received many times, the forehand? Yes, they

know each other enough to know there is no hidden secrets. But his game

is so efficient from both wings, hitting hard, moving well. Very few

unforced errors. You know when you play David Ferrer, he will not give

you anything, you have got to go out and earn it. You are watching the

season-ending championships. On everybody's minds, the matches have

a more competitive this year than last. There were injuries flying

around last year, one of two motivation problems. Surgery booked.

Djokovic, going for four in a row. There have been more storylines

around this day, perhaps more intensity. We have the Davis Cup

final next week for Andy Murray and the British team. I think the group

matches have been more entertaining. When you look at the semifinal

line-up, we have Roger through, Djokovic is through, Rafa is through

and now we need the final piece of the puzzle with a Andy Murray and

Stan Wawrinka match-up will stop Andy Murray is playing tonight. The

winner of that is to play Roger Federer tomorrow night. If you have

tickets you will see Djokovic versus Nadal.

Rafael Nadal, changing his racket. He likes to change a racket for when

he receives serve. For the first time he receives serve when the new

ball is into play. Personal preference. Doesn't like to serve

that game with the new ball and a new racket, would refer to have a

little bit of wear and tear on the strings.

Keeping his weight so low, it is the footwork that is so impressive.

Look at this. Swinging the arms so fast, but keeping the head so

still. If there is any head movement when you are hitting at that heart,

the mis-hit comes into play. Not holding back. Pretty much at

full throttle, around 116,, 120 mile an hour. Not the tallest, but

serving three aces. You would have to be downhill, downwind to be any

faster than that. I wonder what the coach says to

Ferrer before he goes out. He probably says work hard. Are your

laces tied up? Go! Strange he would say, sorry, to his

fellow Spaniard in English. I think the other thing about tennis

in Spain and perhaps France, obviously the two

in Spain and perhaps France, and the reason there is this

conveyor belts, they never let people who have professional

experience at the game go anywhere. Why would you want to lose that

experience to other professions? Why would you want to lose that

tennis court in majolica next year, 26 courts and an accommodation block

and schooling for 140 pupils. That is bound to be oversubscribed. If

they ran that properly, can you imagine he would not want to go

there to advance their tennis. Presumably it will be staffed very

well until a high-level as well. I assume Rafa wouldn't put his name

and reputation to anything that wouldn't work. But they don't let

people go do they? Also, the knowledge to pass on to the

coaches, with the coaching education side of things. And the parents,

everybody needs guiding. They come into the game and don't have any

experience, you need somebody who has been out there and to tell you

the truth. Look at the numbers, would that help, as

there, with a process that information? If there was a glaring

aspect to those statistics, whether it be your first serve percentage

points one behind second serve, may be? I think they are very much in

the moments of worrying about the next point, rather than what has

gone on before. I know in the Nadal Academy next

year, will have a sport Museum. Just put his trophies in their! It would

be a good start. A career Grand Slam of all four

majors for Nadal. Olympic gold medal as well, Davis Cup. First one as a

17-year-old in front of 20,000 people in Seville. On his debut.

Beat Roddick. Probably say this is the one major title has eluded him.

He has had to pull out four times because of injury.

Rafa, so often aurally exhausted at the end of the year. This sheer

workrate takes its toll on the body. Nadal, indicating the ball was out.

But I am surprised there wasn't a challenge. Ferrer was looking over

to his box to get the nod from them. Think they indicated it was just

long. So happy to go into that Nadal

forehand, isn't he? Got to choose the right moment. Rafa just dropped

it short. Rafa just hedging his bets will stop Ferrer, able to flatten

that out up the line. They are not hanging about, 42

minutes played only. Definitely a bit yippy on that

serve. First saw the ball toss going astray

again Stan Wawrinka. It is a break of serve. Nadal, who went on to a

quick 3-0 lead. There is eight doubles teams here as well, I was

sorry to see Jamie Murray and his partner going out, playing their

last match, so it seems. The Bryan brothers going through again. That

is it for Jamie and John Peers' partnership over the years. Going to

change partners now. It will be Davis Cup next for Jamie, presumably

with Andy Murray, next Saturday. Kyle Edmund lost in the second round

of the Challenger Event. Having won last week and winning around this

week, he is in great shape for selection, who knows what'll happen,

Tim? What is that? Bit of coverage around, but you think Kyle Edmund

will get the nod now, with respect to James Ward? It is a good trouble

for Lyon to have, all three players, Dan Evans, James Ward and Kyle

Edmund were out of form have all won challengers since that. But on a

clay court, I think we are all leaning towards Kyle Edmund.

Bearing in mind that David Ferrer has not lost a match from a set up

this whole year. If he can just get back into the

tie-break here, who knows what can happen. It is certainly not a quick

match. We know that Nadal is going through

in the championship, so there is nothing left about the meaning of

the contest here. Oh, that's away.

the contest here. It's not a very tight game, is it?

That's why it is very difficult to predict these types of matches. Such

small margins, predict these types of matches. Such

he will runaway with it. Then Ferrer wins four games in a row. Nadal

breaks to serve the set and now down 0-40.

Three points certainly didn't help him there.

From 0-40 down to a set point up now for Rafael Nadal.

You can't leave the ball there. I know it is hypercritical, and Ferrer

has to hit that winner. Yes, it's got to be deeper than

that. Again, a little bit central, a

little bit short from Nadal. But a fantastic forehand. Ferrer keen to

step in and go for that when he gets the chance.

Some errors from Nadal. Ferrer's work rate, an absolute example, as

you expect. Three breaks of serve each in the

set. Three holds. So a tie-bake it is.

Oh, just long! Nadal had his man beaten, for sure. He was just unable

to drop the ball in. Rafa's sister on the left.

The girlfriend is on the right watching on.

The score is 0-2. A couple of early Christmas presents

to one another! Just one of the corporate boxes

getting into the weekend a little early. I don't think that they are

heading back to the office this afternoon!

Total attendance at this event. Well over 1. 5 million. That is the

six-year attendance figure this year. Plus this year, so it will

probably go up to 1. 75 this year. Quite remarkable. With all of the

music and the shenanigans that go with it. Just the right balance.

It's not overdone. Some encouragement from the crowd

for Rafa. They're enjoying this match.

4-2 in the break there to Ferrer. The umpire backing off on the time

situation here. That has to have been a

minute-and-a-half between the points.

So just a rallying backhand cross-court, really.

The height over the net was pulled wide. That's what it is.

So, four set points to David Ferrer. The first set of this group match.

And if Ferrer does win this set, we'll see how deep Nadal wants to go

and how much energy he wants to give.

Well, that's a correction from quite a long way away, the umpire's chair.

I wonder about that. You have to have a look at that.

It was a correction from the chair. The lineswoman called it out quickly

and distinctly. And it was out. So Ali should have

left that alone, it is set. To me it looked in.

Well, there we go. That's it, Ferrer has not lost a set

or a match from a set up here. Nadal is going to have to dig deep if he

is to come back from a set down. An odd set, that.

Yes, he will have to dig deep to extend his unbeaten run here at the

championships. But this match, the results don't matter, Rafael Nadal

is back for the semi-final where he takes on a formidable foe.

The dominant force in men's tennis, the defending champion here in

London. Yes, Nadal against Djokovic. The two

Iron Men in tennis. They have met 45 times before. Many of them have been

immense battles. You can see that on BBC One at 2.00pm. But Rafa needs to

find form in this match today to take on the world number one. Thank

you very much for sending in your comments. We have been asking you

the strangest things seen on a court. Mark says at last year's US

Open, Marin Cilic and eve an ease very much would not shave in case it

decided on results. Nicola says anything beets giving

your hair a quick trim. I hope he wins later today. Come on, Andy. And

Susan says she finds it difficult to watch Nadal with his shorts, hair

and nose routine. Maybe you are enjoying that. But other strange

things we have seen, remember Richard Gasquet with the racket

regriping and the streakers on the tennis court and the wife slapping

the umpire? There have been some moments.

We have, Sue, we are having one now, listening to you whilst Rafa is

getting naked here! Sue, did you have anything you did before a match

that became a habit? No, very, very boring. Bounce the ball three times

before the first set, two before the second. Nothing like anywhere near

the routine that Rafa goes through. I think I would have been exhausted

trying to remember it! Too much to think about just trying to beat the

opponent. Thank you, Sue. How distracting for you, well done! 7-4

to Ferrer here. He has not lost a match this year. From this position

and how deep does Nadal want to go with the Djokovic semi-final

tomorrow at 2.00pm, Tim? I don't think that Nadal knows any other way

than to give 100% at all times. Certainly on the practice court, let

alone in the match court. Amazing, watching him practice is

extraordinary. The energy levels he puts out.

It is personal pride. He does not want to lose the match. Not a

chance. I wouldn't imply about digging deep

but it was an effort thing. It is really, you cannot have the same

intensity in a dead match always as you will in a Wimbledon final. It is

bound to be different. The mind is not as engaged. I would never imply

there is not a best effort but 99% is not as much as 100 and it makes

such a difference. That's why Federer was impressive

yesterday against Nishikori. The round-robin group, whilst we always

see great tennis, one against another, there are dead matches. Yes

had a couple in the afternoon sessions this week. It is just the

format. A good hold from 0-30. Especially

after losing the first set. At these occasions, the Grand Slams,

the tennis family comes together. You wanted to say a few words about

somebody we lost from that tennis family? Very much so. I was sad to

read that Jim Slater passed away. When I started on the David Lloyd

academy, it was backed by Jim Slateer. It restored the link with

chess. He gave me a great opportunity. I was sad to see his

passing at the age of 86. I send my condolences to his wife hell and

their four children. Semi-finals will be starting

tomorrow at 2.00pm. Two semi-finals tomorrow. The final is on Sunday

evening at 6.00pm. Mark your cards for that one.

It will be Nadal versus Djokovic in the first semi-final and Federer

versus the winner of tonight's match here in the other one it is either

Wawrinka or Andy Murray. I can certainly see how they are

trying to keep the pace of play flowing. 25 seconds between the

points in the main tour. I don't understand how it is the same in the

Slams when they are playing the best of five sets.

Heavy ball on the forehand side. Is that an energy bar? Why is there a

difference, 25 seconds on the tour and in the Grand Slams, 20 seconds.

It is ridiculous? You are something to do with the organisation of

Wimbledon, you are well placed to ask the question? Absolutely, I

can't remember when it changed. For consistency and continuity, it

doesn't make any sense at all. He would have thought when they are

playing best of five sets, long matches, some of the players are

struggling to keep to 25 seconds on the tour, so what chance have they

got when they have to go in 20 seconds? The Times spent between

points can be equally as important as the time playing them, in terms

of handling one point, settling down and getting ready for the next. It

is all a process. For there to be 20 seconds in one tournament and 25 in

another seems ridiculous to me. Perhaps it is the remnants of the

often rocky relationship between the ITF, the international tennis

Federation and the ATP, the Association of tennis professionals,

which is the players and the tournaments. It is all a bit

complicated. An awful lot of people coming in, have we had a train

problem or something? Drinks rape. It does seem to be more than

normal, but it is Friday. A lot of people working from home

today. Nadal, keeping his nose ahead. Since

2009 it has been at the O2 arena. What cities would did for this, Tim,

after this? This tournament is solely owned by the ATP, isn't it?

Lots of potential targets. Would there be an opportunity in the

middle east, the far east? A lot of tournaments heading towards China,

big-money out in China. In India, the IPTL. What about Madison Square

Gardens? It goes to Australia because Lleyton Hewitt finished as

world number one and was a big attraction. Then you reflect of how

well this event works in London with the schedule, the last tournament of

the year being in Paris. It has got to be a serious bid with a big

sponsor and the potential of some enormous attendances, to contemplate

moving this away. 61 enormous attendances, to contemplate

over the year in 31 different countries. This is top eight in the

singles and countries. This is top eight in the

as well. Two Spaniards here. David Ferrer, number 7 in the world

serving to Rafael Nadal, number five.

Has been a second set. Nadal, looking to stamp

his authority. The right idea from Nadal, tried to

take the ball a little bit earlier, attack the whole,

You have got to go to the Nadal backhand, but he has so much

variation. We have seen him adding shots over the years on that side

will stop adding the chip down the line. He can go crosscourt with bat

and he can step it up and wind it up with the two hander. On the 26th

shot, the clean winner. See how quick Nadal was on to that?

Ferrer was caught in no man's land. Very interesting change of pace.

Nadal used the slice and almost encourage Ferrer to come forward a

little bit. He didn't do enough with the shot, and then Nadal was able to

pounce. Been on court nearly an hour and a

half. You wonder whether it will become detrimental to Nadal's

performance tomorrow? Are you suggesting the ball in the corner, I

thought Nadal was onto it, it was a tough ball, deep and spinning. Might

be saving something for tomorrow. This is a dead match, tomorrow very

much alive in the semifinal? It would be understandable for most

players, but Nadal isn't like most players. He will be doing everything

he can to win this match. If it goes on two, two and a half, could close

to three hours, it is not the ideal preparation to play the world number

one. Whereas David Ferrer, could be on a

beach by tomorrow. So Nadal versus Ferrer. Just the

nine French Open championships. He has had such a disastrous year but

his record now at the French Open, having lost for the second time, 70

victories and two. It is remarkable. Here is the record. Nine French

opens. So delaying and Djokovic are the only ones to be Tim at the

French. Wimbledon, a couple of times including a much I would consider

the greatest of all time, the 2008 Wimbledon final. The two US Open

victories, Beijing. Davis Cup victories for Spain. And the world

tour Masters, the big nine on the ATP Tour, outside the Grand Slams.

27 of those. Just amazing. We thought we might lose him to

injuries a couple of times along the way, but here he is and in good

shape for 2016. You can understand some of the injury issues, but with

a CV lag that I wouldn't have thought you'd be struggling for

confidence, as he was earlier this year. Everybody loses confidence, so

it seems. Putting his name to his own academy, I cannot wait to see

what he produces there. 17,000 people cheering. Wasn't

expecting that. 17,001, because David Ferrer wasn't expect it

either. He would be thinking crosscourt. It was lovely.

Nadal building pressure with the scoreboard, serving first and

keeping his nose in front. Few alarm bells for Ferrer, down 3-4, 0-30.

Ball toss. Scoreboard pressure, service motion at the moment.

The umpire up in the chair getting an earful. It is a vibration monitor

that goes off and the umpire has to do respond to that.

Nadal, exerting influence from the back of the court in the second set.

There are so often a blizzard of statistics and graphics and

everything else that comes up on the screen these days. Sometimes it is

impossible to consume it all. But second serve points one is always

interesting as to who has the upper hand. How you defend your second

serve marks you out in the professional game.

It is a relevant point. When I look at statistics for this match, Rafael

Nadal is winning 60% of the points on the first serve and 64% of points

on the second serve. Not normally that way round.

He is not going to get this one. We have a deciding set here as Nadal

wins the second set, 6-3. We are enjoying it. More tennis here at the

O2 next week. This time we will be commencing the Davis Cup final and

we cannot wait for this at the Flanders Expo.

In 2004, Rafa wanted for the first time. In that moment, it was so

special. Djokovic, won it in 2010. It gives you instant evasion and

inspires you to play your best. Last year, Roger won it. It is one of the

best days of my life. So did stand. It was a dream, to Playboy your

country. This year, can Andy and company follow suit. The Davis Cup,

across the BBC from next Friday. Davis Cup is so important. Not often

appoint a use to illustrate how difficult it is to win the Davis

Cup. When we had Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski in and around the top ten,

they were unable to win a world group match. Not through lack of

trying and dramatic matches and heroin efforts, but it is that

difficult. Which makes this more amazing. James Ward has done a

fantastic job but it has been built around Andy Murray. Eight and zero

this year, eight victories and no losses. He has been the cornerstone

of the team, but also Leon Smith deserves a lot of credit, the way he

has a man managed what has been going on during the week, during the

lead up to these ties. It will take one last big effort. I can we go

into this tie against Belgium as the favourites, but away on clay is

never easy. But without Murray, it couldn't have happened. John Lloyd,

found himself as captain without Andy Murray quite a lot. It is Andy

Murray's commitment. Leon Smith has done a great job, there is a real

togetherness. But he is not a miracle worker? Certainly in art and

the way Murray has performed consistency against big nations in

tennis, beating the Americans, the French just after Wimbledon. Andy

Murray in action tonight, could be his last match, if he loses it to

Stan Wawrinka. Before that, Davis Cup final next Friday. We will see,

you might have three more matches here, as we head into the weekend.

Either way, we don't want him injured.

This proud record of David Ferrer of never having lost a match this year.

After winning the first set it is in grave danger now, it would see.

There is a 0-30 opportunity here. Nadal has won all of the other

points. Nadal has won all of the other

It gets in the way but it can't be moved.

And that will please him at the start of a third set.

And that will please him at the Nothing wrong with that ball toss.

Again, I think you would say it was the right shot, just not quite the

execution he was hoping for. Pushing Nadal with a big forehand down the

execution he was hoping for. Pushing line, so he would open up

execution he was hoping for. Pushing of the court. It's a big game in

this third set. Both players producing phenomenal length on the

ball. A good ten or 12 shots landing

within a council of feet of the baseline.

That's the one that just dropped a little bit short.

Oh, that is superb, isn't it?! Yes, applauded by Nadal's uncle. I can

understand that. That ball was going away from Ferrer with the side

spinners off the top. It was way off the top. You don't get those unless

you have trained hard. Applauded by both Nadals.

And were you you trying to imply his intensity was there? No, I didn't

quite say that! I don't think he can resist the fight. But the detriment

tomorrow, if you go deep maybe two-and-a-half, three hours, I don't

think you think when you are out there, you just want to beat the

other guy, don't you?! Really upping it now.

When you think about it, Nadal just doesn't know any other way to play.

Consistent aggressive hitting from the baseline.

Are there any ice baths here? You have to look at when he played last

year with Federer with the monster match with Stanislas Wawrinka. He

could barely walk from that. This is the problem with back-to-back

finals, it is difficult to recover from. Whatever happens, this set is

going to send David Ferrer into the off-Seaton.

With his lactic acid. Federer talking in his press

conference after playing Nishikori but how delighted he was to play

yesterday and have a rest before the semi-finals tomorrow. I cannot

overstate how important that could be.

He plays the winner of the match tonight, between Murray and

Wawrinka. And that is tomorrow night.

The longest game of the week so far, I'm reliably informed.

It will feel like the longest game of the year for David Ferrer.

It's quite a spectacle to see this man back, isn't it? Nadal seems to

play the deuce point that fraction a bit more aggressively on the break

point. Dropping the ball short. It gave Ferrer the opportunity to get

on top. Any argument for a sudden-death

point in dead matches? I thought you were going to say any argument if

you start serving and volleying now. It's where the scoring system is one

of the beauties of the game. The physical demands of a 12, 13 minute

game and the mental demands for Nadal to get over if he can't break.

And finally it ends. A little worried David Ferrer gets

his nose in front. A brutal physical game. The point I

am making is, perhaps after one deuce or after two deuces, you can

do what they do in the doubles and select a side, and one point decides

the game. In college tennis in the United States they do that, it might

save the players from themselves in this situation. The last thing I

want to see is Nadal exhausted or stiff tomorrow playing against Novak

Djokovic. I know there is no chance of it

happening but I want to see a Nadal Djokovic match, that is unaffected.

If he is not monitoring himself here, Rafa.

Thank goodness, there is no chance of it happening.

OK, so he goes three-and-a-half hours and he won't be able to walk

tomorrow, great. Go and take a seat, we'll bring the

oxygen to you. I have been a big believer that you

cannot give more than 100%. It's a good time to go to the laces here.

I have to think that David Ferrer is trying harder than that.

Drop his racket here, do something. trying harder than that.

Just get the air in. That trying harder than that.

sort of rally that stays with you for a little bit of time. But it is

the fitness that enables you to recover. He will be all right in a

few seconds. recover. He will be all right in a

You wonder if Djokovic is watching recover. He will be all right in a

this match with a big smile on his face. No question.

He'll be saying, "What is he doing." Djokovic will find out what room

David Ferrer is in tonight and send him six beers and say thank you very

David Ferrer is in tonight and send already! Just enough top spin to get

this final forehand to dip in. So, am I barking up the wrong tree

with this thinking that there could be some detrimental effect against

Novak Djokovic in the final if this goes too much longer? I thought you

brought it up first about an hour quarter ago? Yes but you are trying

to deflect the fact away from the fact you were trying to change the

scoring in tennis. Is there an aringment for it? In

doubles they do it? Exactly. In doubles, there is absolutely no

place for it in singes. Even in a dead match like this.

You can't say it is a dead match in the context of $167,000 for the

winner. But in terms of going through to the

semi-final, it does not mean anything for the finish of the group

and the order? Sure. But it is not the ideal scenario for Rafa to have

been out on the court for two hours and six minutes. But with his

attitude and the professional attitude of the players he goes out

to give 100%. He wants to win the match. He would love to serve and

volley his way to a straight sets victory in an hour and ten minutes,

he, unfortunately for him, he can't do that. You think about the wear

and tear for his body. Trying to see it from his point of view. I am just

desperate for the match tomorrow. I am not saying that he is not giving

100%. But can you drop that about the

deuce now? Yes, I'll leave that one out! I will not offer it as an idea

again. Thank you.

COMMENTATOR: Mr Nadal is challenging a ball on the right court side. The

ball is called in. The call stands. Still this effort goes on.

exhalation. When the best players in the women's games, when the decibel

levels go up, sometimes you hear criticism. These guys are certainly

louder than that. Two Spaniards playing with a great

deal of pride, number one and two in Spain. Rafael Nadal fell to Number

Ten in the world and when the computer rankings came out as they

do on a Monday morning, to see Rafa at Number Ten was unusual. First

time in ten years. Back up to number five and now with increasingly fine

form and is trying to keep that going against Ferrer. No way he will

let a much go, 17,000 people in here. He will deal with tomorrow,

but is trying to beat this man in the picture. He is certainly getting

back to the form he has shown. I suppose much time, all of it is good

for him after the year he has had? Very much so, and Ferrer, we can be

sure it is his last match of the year, he is like a dog with the

bone, down 15-30 in that game, just will not give in. Keeps his nose in

front. He would have been coming up when you are playing? I played

against him on the number of occasions. He was somebody who did

perhaps struggle with confidence and self belief. He didn't necessarily

see him being at the leader-macro atop 50 player, let alone a player.

An extraordinary player and is a lot like he isn't slowing down any time

soon. 33 years of age, only Roger Federer older than him. The usual

amount of semifinals and quarterfinals. The consistency,

getting into this elite field. Nadal serving to -3 in the deciding set.

Anything over the net, down that side of the court. After all that

work... And he had done the hard work. Rafa had gone the wrong way.

Perhaps just took his eye off the ball, was watching his opponent,

rather than the ball. Total distance run. That is little

short sprints back and forward, stopping as well. 12, 13 metres with

either Macs. -- would be the maximum. But when you are having a

26, 28 shot rally, a few of those back-to-back!

Tim Henman and I were listing some of the Spanish players making up the

heritage of the game. Rafael Nadal, has the lead now, we forgot about

Arantxa 's and has, -- Sanchez. I hope he hasn't turned his ankle.

Will we get another look at that? If he has done this... I get nervous

watching him run around like this, I need to see him playing Djokovic

tomorrow. We will know more over the next minute or so, whether he has

turned that left ankle or not. Here is is that, in final sets this

year when Ferrer has been pushed the distance, he has won 15 and lost

one. Amazing, isn't he? One of Ferrer's view love service

games. Good time? Obviously, getting towards the end of this match and

it's been so close, when you can just have an easy game and put the

pressure right back on your opponent, to come out and serve when

you are behind in a set. Very slow court surface that Fabio Sanchez has

laid down on of his company. Has five layers of paint. It will be

taken out after the final. They have five hours to get rid of the whole

staging. They do a lot of behind-the-scenes work as well.

Anybody who has been here to the tour finals and all of the stands

and stalls, loads of things to do. He was asked, what was it like

coming in and working with AEG, who owned the stadium? He said, no

problem, I wish it was as easy with the Rio Olympic.

problem, I wish it was as easy with right to play Roger Federer tomorrow

evening. No problem with his ankle, it seems,

which is good for Rafael Nadal. Looked like he might have twisted it

a bit in the previous game. Doesn't seem too bad, but hasn't won

a point since. Needs to stop that rot pretty sharpish.

From 0-30 and with one to questions around whether the ankle... Seems to

have answered them. Deciding set, 4-4.

Thought maybe Ferrer was gaining a bit of momentum. Now Nadal has won

five points in a row. Felt Ferrer had a few opportunities

to get on top in the rally. Couldn't quite get Nadal on the defensive and

he was able to turn that defence into attack.

Just admirable isn't it calm Ferrer. He never goes away, this guy.

Playing him must be so difficult. Couple of errors in this game

though. Turns up for work and puts in a

shift every single day. Whether it is on the practice court or the

match court. They two break points here.

And that is in. Is that Ferrer's last service came up this year? We

will see. Nadal will serve for this match in the third set. Founder Mark

Burke and you thought Ferrer had 0-30 on Nadal.

For a glorified exhibition, and I know for all of the money and the

points and the rest of it, these boys are not short on points or

money. It has been a fantastic match. For a dead match, which they

can often be a damp squib, this has been unbelievable. Two and a half

hours of this sort of intensity and effort. The shots we have seen this

afternoon. That was the passing shot on break point. You wonder the way

Ferrer set point up, whether you should have gone down the line on

the backhand. So, the afternoon session here at

the O2. As the lights dim once again on the crowd and the lights come up

on the court. The stage is set for Nadal to complete this unblemished,

unbeaten record in group play. The group he has already won.

want to go on holiday just yet? No, he wants to play some more tennis.

Former top-10 player Costa

Former top-10 player Toni. Match point.

And that is it! Rafa Nadal unbeaten with his good mate and Davis Cup

run, David Ferrer. An amazing performance, but firstly

congratulations to Ferrer. Great contribution to the tournament.

Tim Henman, you get the feeling after a difficult year for everybody

involved with Rafael Nadal's camp and Rafa himself, he is just so

happy to be winning matches again? Absolutely, you can see by his

reaction at the end of the match. He is through to the semifinals. He is

keen to keep this momentum, build on the confidence he has gained in the

latter part of the year. I think physically he will be fine going

into the semifinals, he will be very excited about where his game is

into the semifinals, he will be very right now. He is going to be

absolutely pumped when he comes out once again tomorrow afternoon to

play Novak Djokovic. It is a match to saver. David Ferrer has lost a

match for the first time this year. Another proud year for him.

match for the first time this year. David, under there. Such a superb

record in 3-set matches, but on this occasion, beaten by Rafael Nadal.

6-4 in the final set. Beaten but unbowed, I like this ovation. That

is a contribution to the tournament. We will have a word with Rafa in

just a moment. But not before everything is just so, in his world.

He is neatly adorned and his laces are just right and everything is

sorted out. He is so precise about everything that he does. One of the

most watchable sportsmen on the planet. What is he going to put on

here? Yes! He is so pleased and happy at the moment. So good to see

him back in fine form and smiling. Tonight, Andy Murray in action.

Another full house, no doubt, with his match with Stan Wawrinka. The

winner of that will play Roger Federer. Whatever happens, we have

some spectacular tennis coming up over the weekend but this afternoon

belongs to Rafael Nadal. He is through and talking to Barry Milnes.

Rafa, what can we say, what a fantastic match you and baby just

played. Congratulations on a third straight win, but he really made you

work for it, how do you sum it up? It was a great match, very intense

rallies. I think I enjoyed it. Sorry or David today, the match decided a

few things and I hope the crowd enjoyed it. I am just happy to be in

the semifinals. Very, very important for me to finish the season playing

like this, winning against the best players in the world. Tomorrow, big

match again and the chance to compete against the number one in

the world. Very excited and thank you very much everybody. It has been

a great week. As you say, not much time before you have to be back here

tomorrow afternoon to take on Djokovic. It is an amazing rivalry

you have put together. Chapter 46, you lead in that, what can we expect

tomorrow? This year is achieving almost everything one player can

dream. To achieve one time in his career. He is achieving everything

in the one year so congratulate him for all of the great things he is

doing. Tomorrow, I know I have two plates to my limit my best to have

any chance. Last year you are ruled out by injury and illness, but you

have come back. Considering where you were Miami time struggling with

the game, how special is it to be back here playing tennis like this

in front of a crowd like this? It has been a tough year for me in

terms of strange feelings on the court for me. But I always work hard

to try to play matches like this again. The last five weeks, I think

I am playing much better. Normally it is the toughest part of the

season for me so this is great news. I am very happy for everything. This

tournament always gives you a positive energy. I don't know what

will happen tomorrow, but for sure, these last few weeks of the season

will help me a lot next year. Indeed, we look forward to seeing

you here tomorrow. Ladies and gentlemen, one more time, Rafael

Nadal. We do look forward to that. Tonight,

Andy Murray take some Stan Wawrinka. Murray hoping to remain the world

number two and get through to the semifinals. Briefly, he said respect

for the game and respect for the paying customers. He gave is all

today, when he didn't have two? He doesn't know any different. Both

players put on an unbelievable performance and intense rallies, but

he has set it up nicely for tomorrow. Finished well, his

confidence is high. No substitute for winning, he will need every

ounce of the confidence he has deserved and earned. Great match

night, Murray against Stan Wawrinka and then the semifinal, both will be

spectacular whatever happens? Beautifully poised the way these

groups have unfolded. The best players in the world in the

semifinals so fingers crossed they can produce the goods. Absolutely,

we will be back tomorrow at 2pm over on BBC One and we have two great

champions, Djokovic against Nadal. The dominant force in men's tennis.

I don't think it gets much better than watching Rafael Nadal play.

That is a wicked tennis point. Brilliant performance. And that will

be that! I'm here today to tell you

the truth. Are you sure you want to continue

down this road? Lots of people think they have

nothing to lose. They just haven't thought it

through. You have the very particular stink

of a man out of his depth. You blunder further into a situation

you simply do not understand.