Rafael Nadal Crushes Kei Nishikori For 11th Monte-Carlo Title - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Crushes Kei Nishikori For 11th Monte-Carlo Title

By Tony Fairbairn
3 Min Read
Rafael Nadal (zimbio.com)

Rafael Nadal cruised to an 11th Monte-Carlo Masters title as he decimated Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-2 in a contest that lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Nadal and Nishikori had met on 11 previous occasions so the duo knew each other’s styles very well. Unlike previous opponents this week the world number 36 got off to a very quick start and a stunning backhand pass saw a break of serve in the third game of the match.

However that loss of serve from the Spaniard only motivated him as he continued to use his commanding backhand to change the momentum of the contest. Nadal is arguably the greatest competitor our sport has ever seen and not only broke back but went on to win four consecutive games as he took a comfortable 5-2 lead. The world number one continued to use his clay court reputation to great effect as he took the opening set in 57 minutes.

The Japanese star continued to use his backhand to create some stunning angles as he attempted to fend off the Nadal aggression. However four of Nishikori’s five matches this week had gone the distance and as a result fatigue was a major factor in the second set. The 10 time champion broke twice in quick succession as his backhand down the line caused Nishikori a whole host of problems.

In the end Nadal served the match out to create more history and win his 11th title in Monte-Carlo. It would be no surprise if the ‘King Of Clay’ won an 11th title in Barcelona next week and at Roland Garros next month. As you can see from the match stats below, it was always going to be a difficult task for Nishikori:

(TennisTV)

As for Nishikori he will be pleased with his week, beating the likes of Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev en route to the final. He is now back in the top 20 and will look to improve that ranking as Roland Garros approaches.

Nadal and Nishikori will both play in Barcelona and are set to play each other in the third round.

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