Spain's Nadal shoots down Federer

CINCINNATI, Ohio: Roger Federer saved four match points before going down to Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a quarter-final thriller on Friday at the Cincinnati Masters.

Elimination for the five-time champion will drop the fifth seeded Federer in the world rankings, while Nadal will be able to move up to second overall should he win the title on Sunday, according to the ATP Tour.

The Swiss star won the first set with a crisp effort, but let his game slip away as he allowed Nadal to come from behind and win the next two. (AFP)