Monte Carlo: Rafa Doubles Up on Wins
What a week of clay court tennis it has been! If there was any doubt that Rafael Nadal still owned the clay court crown, he dispelled those doubts with 7-5, 7-5 victory over Roger Federer in the Monte Carlo Masters final.
Rafa was facing a dismal 4-0 hole in the second set but clawed his way out of it for the big W. It was the fourth consecutive title win at Monte Carlo for Rafael which tied the record by Anthony Wilding in 1911-1914. 1914…!!! That’s some serious years for that record to not be matched; it also makes what Rafa did even more important.
As if that wasn’t enough, Rafa decided to extend his winnings further with a doubles title. Tommy Robredo played with Nadal and the duo beat Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles 6-3, 6-3 in the final.
Oh and another bit of [sort-of] boring history…Nadal is only the second player in the duration of the ATP Masters Series to win both the singles and doubles title at the same event. Cool? Definitely.
I also think this speaks well enough for Federer’s return to the court. Should he have closed out that set against Rafa? Oh yeah. Of course. I didn’t get to see it, but we all know how Rafa can play, especially on clay. But Roger made it to the final. On clay. And he lost to Rafa. Just like the last few years, isn’t it?
Tags: men's tennis, Monte Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal, Roger FedererRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
2 opinions for Monte Carlo: Rafa Doubles Up on Wins
zola
Apr 28, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Great recap. Fair to both players. I am just so glad that Rafa won. His comeback from 0-4 was heroic. I am also glad to see Fed playing well again. Shame on ATP for trying to erase the clay courts by compacting three master series event in a month.
Erica
Apr 28, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I agree, zola. Clay is a specialty; I think it’s wrong to try and condense that season because of it. Players can adapt, and it’s good for them and it matures their game.
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