ATP Tennis - Nadal Obtains his 5th Straight Title of Monte Carlo Masters

Rafael Nadal, a Spaniard of 22 years and world No.1, won the final at the Monte Carlo Masters by beating the Serbian Novak Djokovic 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 this past Sunday in two hours and 43 minutes. This is the Spaniard’s 5th straight title in this tournament and he is now the first player to win five consecutive games in Monte Carlo. Moreover, this is also Rafa’s 27th victory at the Monte Carlo Masters and the 21st straight win in clay since his defeat against Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters in 2008.

The Spaniard had problems with his serve in the beginning of the match, trailing 3-1 in the first four games, but he recuperated from that bad start and won five games in a row to win the set 6-3. Then, before the start of the second set, the Serbian needed a back massage and it seemed that was the end for Djokovic. However, the Spaniard struggled with his serve and Djokovic took advantage of that, breaking Nadal several times by sticking behind the baseline and beating him off the net. The Serbian won the second set comfortably 2-6.  That was the first set that Rafa lost since the final against Roger Federer in 2006 at this tournament.

The third set, however, was key for the Spaniard. After Djokovic lost three break points needed to win, his game went down completely and he lost his focus. Nadal took advantage of Djokovic’s breakdown, and using his experience in finals, completely destroyed the Serbian with impressive plays, winning the set 6-1. For Rafa Nadal this was a tough win in clay but a memorable one since it is his fifth title.

“It is always really important for me start the clay season like this, for the confidence," said the world No.1. “To win another time here is more than a dream for me, is unbelievable, a fifth title here in Monte Carlo. I never expect something like this,” stated the Spaniard champion.

The Serbian, on the other hand, expressed his satisfaction with his performance after the game, and even though he did not play the way he was supposed to in certain moments of the match, he thought this final match was one of his best performances against Rafa Nadal on clay surface. 

Moreover, since this tournament turned professional in 1968, no one has matched Nadal’s feat: 5 victories in a row. Some players like Reggie Doherty won the tournament on several occasions but never so many in straight years.  It is certain that Nadal has made history in Monte Carlo. Now he hopes that next year he will play well enough to get his sixth title.

The Spaniard’s next tournament will be the Open Banca Sabadell tournament in Spain, where he will play against the winner of the match between a qualifier and Yen-Shun Lu in the first round. If he wins this tournament, it will also be for the fifth time in a row.

Congratulations to this amazing Spaniard player and best of the luck to the world No.1 Rafa in the following tournament.