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Nadal leads Spanish charge
06:45, Sep 6 2010
Rafael Nadal was not the sole focus of Spanish attention for once, but the world number one was more than happy to share the spotlight at the US Open.
Nadal beat France's Gilles Simon 6-4 6-4 6-2 in the third round at Flushing Meadows to ensure at least one Spanish player will be in the semi-finals in New York.
That is because the top seed will face compatriot Feliciano Lopez in the fourth round, with the winner of that match taking on either David Ferrer or Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals.
A record nine Spanish players had reached the third round, with six now through to the fourth after wins for Nadal, Lopez, Ferrer, Verdasco and Tommy Robredo on Sunday, while Albert Montanes won on Saturday.
Ferrer advanced to the last 16 at Flushing Meadows for just the second time in his career with a comfortable 7-6 (7/2) 6-2 6-2 win over yet another Spaniard, Daniel Gimeno-Traver.
The last time Ferrer reached the fourth round in New York was in 2007, when he beat Nadal on his way to the semi-finals, which remains his best result in a Grand Slam.
Eighth seed Verdasco needed four sets to beat Argentina's David Nalbandian.
Lopez was leading 6-3 4-0 against Sergiy Stakhovsky when the Ukrainian was forced to retire hurt from their third-round clash, while Robredo also benefited from a retirement, the Spaniard leading two sets to one and 2-1 in the fourth when France's Michael Llodra retired through injury.
The only disappointment for Spain came when 14th seed Nicolas Almagro lost in straight sets to American Sam Querrey.
The next opponent for Querrey will be Stanislas Wawrinka, after the Swiss, seeded 25th, knocked out fourth seed Andy Murray after coming from a set down to win 6-7 (3/7) 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 6-3.
Reds making stadium progress - Ayre 12:45, May 23 2012
Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre insists progress is being made on a decision about the club's long-term future home with a new stadium and a redevelopment both still under consideration. more
Hazard to decide on future 12:45, May 23 2012
Eden Hazard's agent claims an agreement has been reached with all parties interested in the Belgium international and said the player will make a final decision on his future after the upcoming international friendlies. more
Shanghai confident over Drogba move 12:45, May 23 2012
Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua are confident of securing a move for Didier Drogba, who on Tuesday confirmed he was leaving Chelsea. more
Williams agrees Castleford loan deal 11:45, May 23 2012
Castleford have signed Welsh international Rhys Williams on an initial one-month loan deal from Warrington. more
Olympic torch takes a wrong turn 11:45, May 23 2012
The Olympic torch took a wrong turn on Wednesday shortly before it crossed the Clifton Suspension Bridge in a spectacular display of fireworks. more
Khan announces Garcia bout 11:45, May 23 2012
Amir Khan is set to fight WBC light-welterweight champion Danny Garcia on July 14. more
Newcastle add more new faces 09:45, May 23 2012
Newcastle have added three further new signings to their squad for next season. more
Kaymer not panicking despite fall 08:45, May 23 2012
Dropping out of the world's top 10 is not quite what Martin Kaymer had planned for this year - but he is not about to press any panic buttons. more
Care taken over England return 08:45, May 23 2012
Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care is aiming to use Saturday's Aviva Premiership final against Leicester to prove he is ready to reclaim the England number nine jersey. more
Halfpenny hails Warburton 08:45, May 23 2012
Leigh Halfpenny has hailed the on and off-field leadership of Wales captain Sam Warburton as the flanker prepares to lead the RBS 6 Nations champions on their three-Test tour of Australia. more
More to come from Mourinho's Madrid 07:45, May 23 2012
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes his team have played the best football in the world this year - and says they will only get better. more
US finale for Clijsters 07:45, May 23 2012
Former world number one Kim Clijsters has confirmed that the US Open in August will be her last tournament before she retires from the sport for a second and final time. more
