Rafa Defeated #54 Viktor Troicki 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(7). This match was a perfect example of how Rafa really needs to improve on this surface. He always struggles really hard during this time of year being that the indoor tournaments/surface is by far the toughest for him. Not to take away what Mr. Troicki had displayed, he played really aggressive & came to net enough times to break Rafa a few times, what you basically need to do vs. Rafa is shorten the points. SO.. all & all this is a prefect example of how much improvement Rafa still needs on this surface. He played well, & his improved serve really helped matters. But I fear against the big guys it still isnt enough. Rafa to me, might win this tomorrow in the final vs. Monfils. But in Shanghai or at the World Tour Finals. He needs to improve. I feel if Troicki had enough experience in the winning & bigger moments he might have won this match..But a W is a W..Rafa manages to squeeze into the finals! I'll take it!

We shall see tomorrow at the finals..