31 Dec 2011

A below-par Nadal beaten in straight sets in Abu Dhabi

8:51 am on 31 December 2011

David Ferrer has stunned fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in straight sets to set up a final showdown with world tennis number one Novak Djokovic at a three-day exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrer took advantage of a below-par Nadal, winning 6-3 6-2, after Djokovic had earlier demolished Roger Federer 6-2 6-1.

Two-time defending champion Nadal has blamed a shoulder injury and says the injury will hamper his efforts at next month's Australian Open.