Rafael Nadal Closes In On McEnroe’s All-Time Record With Opening Win In Madrid - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Closes In On McEnroe’s All-Time Record With Opening Win In Madrid

The world No.1 is on the verge of achieving another milestone in his career following his latest victory.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Rafael Nadal (zimbio.com)

MADRID: Playing in front of an animated crowd in his home country, Rafael Nadal kicked off his campaign at the Madrid Open with a 6-3, 6-1, win over France’s Gael Monfils.

Making his 13th appearance in the tournament, the top seed is bidding to extend his unbeaten record on the clay. This season he is yet to lose a set on the surface after claiming titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Taking on Monfils, whom he had a 13-2 head-to-head record against prior to today, Nadal applied the pressure from the onset. Hitting 17 winners to 12 unforced errors and converting six of his 10 break point opportunities.

“I’ve played a really good match. I beat an opponent who is difficult. The feelings are very good. This is what matters and what motivates me and gives me joy: the feeling to be able to play another day in front of the crowd here in Madrid.” Nadal commented during his press conference.

Battling through a nerve-stricken six-minute opening game, Nadal found his footing as the match progressed. Increasing the intensity in his shots at the right time to force an error from Monfils. His first breakthrough occurred two games into the match after a forehand error from the Frenchman handed him a break. Monfils continued to show glimpses of his talent to prompt cheers from the crowd, but he failed to find a way to break back. Enabling the 10-time French Open champion to seal a 6-3 lead after 41 minutes of play.

The animated crowd inside the Manolo Santana Stadium was one that frustrated Monfils. During the early stages of set number two he complained to the match umpire about the noise. Arguing that it impacted his serving. Nevertheless, Nadal took the incident in his stride as he seized upon his chance to get another break.

“To whistle is not in my way of understanding things. Everyone is free to express themselves the way they think is good. We also have to analyze why they are whistling.” The Spaniard commented about his home crowd.
“I think that today was something very, very gentle. I think it wasn’t anything serious.” He added.

From that moment on the match was a foregone conclusion as the Spanish No.1 roared towards the finish line. Even Monfils saw the bright side of the scenario. Applauding Nadal for a masterful drop-shot that he made towards the end of their encounter. Which was concluded with a Monfils forehand landing beyond the baseline.

Nadal now has a winning 48-set streak on the clay. An all-time record on the surface. Should he win two more, he would break John McEnroe’s record for the most consecutive sets won on the tour. The American achieved a run of 49 back in 1984.

“When I going to go on court tomorrow, my only goal going to be try to play my best and try to win the match. I don’t want to think about these things.” He said about the potential milestone.
“I  don’t say I don’t care because better to have these kind of things than don’t have it. But I am in a tennis tournament, and think about that, nothing else.”

Nadal will take on Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

 

 

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