Rafael Nadal has become the most decorated player on clay in the Open Era after defeating compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1, 6-3, in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
Sunday’s final at the Monte Carlo Country Club was a clash of two different worlds. Former world No.1 Nadal was playing his 105th final on the ATP Tour and his 11th in the tournament. In contrast, Ramos-Vinolas was seeking his second title in what was only the fifth final in his career. The inevitable outcome between the two has enhanced Nadal’s odds of winning next month’s French Open for a tenth time.
“Thank-you to my team. It has been a great start to the season. We were losing a few finals before this one, but finally we have a title.” Said Nadal following his win.
The disparity in experience between the two players was illustrated throughout the early stages of the match. As Nadal settled into his game after getting some clay out of his eye, his opponent struggled. Ramos-Vinolas’ first service game saw him fight back from a 0-40 deficit. An admirable comeback from a player who has already defeated two top-10 players this week. The early promise displayed by the underdog failed to develop as Nadal exerted his dominance with some powerful forehand shots. A five-game winning streak, where Nadal just dropped four points on his serve, saw the defending champion surge to a one-set lead in just 30 minutes. He then closed out the proceedings with his second ace of the match.
Nadal’s one-way offensive was temporarily halted by Ramos-Vinolas, who is set to break the top-20 for the first time in his career next week. Four games passed by with both men remaining dominant on their serve before Nadal launched his next attack. The intensity of the multiple grand slam champion drew a forehand error from Ramos-Vinolas rival to extend his lead to a set and a break.
Closing in on becoming the first player on the ATP tour to win ten titles in the same tournament, the was no chance of a shock comeback from Nadal’s rival. Even facing 0-30 in one his service games, the Nine-time French Open champion had all the answers. A backhand down the line elevated Nadal to his first Championship point, but still Ramos-Vinolas kept fighting. History was achieved on Nadal’s third attempt following a double fault from his rival.
“It’s difficult to explain the feeling. The first time I was here in 2003 I had probably the best tournament of my career at that moment.” A nostalgic Nadal said about his Monte Carlo record.
“A lot of years later, here I am with ten titles that I never dreamt of. I can just say thanks to life for giving me this opportunity.”
Becoming the first man in history to win 50 titles on the clay, Nadal is not getting ahead of himself. Next week will see him try to win a 10th title at the Barcelona Open, in what will be another milestone in his career.
“Today is a day to enjoy. The title here is such an important moment (for me). Tomorrow we will try to be focused on the next event which is Barcelona.” He told Sky Sports.
“It’s a special day in this sport”@RafaelNadal lifts his 10th #MCROLEXMASTERS trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fbfWfgZFol
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 23 April 2017
Five milestones achieved by Nadal in Monte Carlo
1) First man to win 10 titles at the same tournament
2) First man to win 50 clay-court titles in the Open Era
3) Second man to win 29 Masters 1000 titles after Novak Djokovic, who currently has 30.
4) The fifth man in history to win 70 or more ATP singles titles after John Mcenroe, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors
5) Has now won at least one title on the men’s tour for 14 consecutive seasons.
