13th May 2011 | Tennis
Nadal still number one: Murray shines
Nadal has held off Djokovic's charge to the top of the rankings. For now. Murray reaches the final four in Rome.
Rafa Nadal ensured he will remain world number one, at least for the time being, after reaching the semi finals of the Rome Masters. The Spaniard needed to reach the last four to keep Novak Djokovic at bay; the Serbian has remarkably gone through all of 2011 thus far unbeaten.
Andy Murray showed signs of a return to form worthy of a world number four by beating Florian Mayer 1-6 6-1 6-1 in his quarter final. It is the first time a British player has progressed this far in the Italian event since 1932. The Scot is looking for his first ever Masters tournament victory on clay, but Djokovic is likely to be his opponent in the final four.
The second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open begins on May 22. Murray’s price has been cut to just 20/1 with PaddyPower after his encouraging progress in Rome. Boylesports currently offer the best odds on British glory at Roland Garros at 40/1.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 18:19 13th May, 2011 but subject to change