January 07, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 27, 1428

CHENNAI, Jan 6: World No 2 Rafael Nadal raised fitness concerns before this month’s Australian Open after he was thrashed 6-0, 6-1 by Mikhail Youzhny in the Chennai Open final on Sunday.

The Spaniard looked stiff from the start against fourth seed Youzhny, clearly showing the effect of his marathon four-hour semi-final win over compatriot Carlos Moya the previous day.

Nadal called for medical attention trailing 4-1 in the second set and then went through the motions as Youzhny completed his fourth career title win with ease, disappointing a large holiday crowd cheering the Spaniard.

Although the Spaniard took a vitamin tablet during the break between the sets, it appeared to have no effect against Youzhny.

The trainer stretched Nadal’s right leg before the player returned to the court to complete the match, Youzhny serving out to secure victory in under one hour.

LLODRA TRIUMPHS

ADELAIDE: Frenchman Michael Llodra won his second ATP Tour title on Sunday when he outplayed third seed Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 6-3, 6-4 to win the Adelaide International.

Llodra, who only entered the main draw after his countryman Richard Gasquet pulled out on the eve of the event through injury, served and volleyed his way to victory in 76 minutes.

The title was the first for world No 93 Llodra since he won his maiden Tour event in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, in 2004.—Reuters