For Rafael Nadal, this year’s Monte Carlo Masters is about getting accustomed with his beloved clay as well as rewriting the record books.
Regarded as one of the greatest clay-court players in the Open Era, Nadal returns to the surface following a strong start to 2017. Three out of his first five tournaments of the season has seen the Spaniard progress to the final. Still yet to win a title this year, the clay tends to bring out the strongest characteristics of Nadal’s game.
The record speaks for itself. Last year he won back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona to increase his title tally on the clay to 49. Only Argentina’s Guillermo Vilas has ever won that amount of titles on the surface. Nevertheless, it isn’t always straightforward for the ‘king of clay’ to switch from playing from hard to clay.
“Monte Carlo is unique for me, I’m here to adjust my game and be ready to play,” Nadal said.
“The season has started well for me. I’m happy with how I’m playing.
“This is an historic event for me, I’m working to be ready. I’m excited to be here.”
Over the next seven days, Nadal could underscore his legacy even more. A win in Monte Carlo would make him the first player to win the tournament 10 times in its 120-year history. Furthermore, he could also become the first man in history to clinch a 50th title on the clay. It’s a mouthwatering prospect for him and his camp, especially with Uncle Toni reducing his coaching commitments at the end of 2017. Still, Nadal refuses to get carried away by focusing on the basics.
“I need hours on court remembering things: how to win point, how to defend. It’s not because I’ve had a lot of of success. Things are not that easy for for me, especially when I’ve not played on it for almost a year,” he said.
Standing in Nadal’s way are some of the world’s best. Seven top-10 players will participate, including Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. He will be seeded fourth in the draw, but rankings can sometimes be misleading. Only Roger Federer has scored more ATP points than Nadal so far this season.
“I think I’m doing well but I can improve.” Nadal explained. “I’m happy playing tennis when I’m not injured and when I fell myself competitive. That makes me happy. I want to feel competitive enough to compete for the things that really motivate me.”
The defending champion will begin his Monte Carlo campaign against either Dan Evans or Kyle Edmund in round two. Nadal has won the championship nine times within the past 12 years.
Nadal’s Monte Carlo record
2003 – R3
2004 – Did not play
2005 – champion
2006 – champion
2007 – champion
2008 – champion
2009 – champion
2010 – champion
2011 – champion
2012 – champion
2013 – runner-up
2014 – quarter-finals
2015 – semi finals
2016 – champion
win-loss record = 58-4 (94% winning rate)
