Nadal loses in quarterfinals at Australian Open

No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinal round of the 2011 Australian Open to fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.  Ferrer’s straight-set victory ended Nadal’s quest for a 4th consecutive Grand Slam title.

Nadal injured his hamstring early in the match and was visibly unable to move well around the court.  Still, he refused to give up as Ferrer kept attacking.  “I had a problem during the match, in the very beginning,” said Nadal. “After that, the match was almost over. So that’s what I can say. But you know what, for me is difficult come here and speak about. In Doha I wasn’t healthy. Today I have another problem. Seems like I always have problems when I lose, and I don’t want to have this image, no?

It is Nadal’s first loss at a major since the quarterfinals of this same event last year.

Elsewhere, 2010 finalist Andy Murray (5) put an end to Alexandr Dolgopolov’s run with a 4-set victory over the unseeded player.

For the women, Agnieszka Radwanska (12) put up a fight, but was no match for Kim Clijsters (3).  Clijsters will face Vera Zvonareva (2) in the semifinals.  Zvonareva defeated Petra Kvitova (25) in straight sets.