Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Monaco

Men’s Final: [7] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [24] Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)

It could have been a thriller if Ramos-Vinolas was not so nervous; however, he could not replicate the tennis he played all week.  That was due to nerves but also in part to the way Nadal played this final.  After failing to win a title in his last three finals this season, the king of clay was not about to leave Monte Carlo without a title and on his favorite surface, the advantage was his.  The occasion was historical and was sure to create some tension in Nadal, but he never seemed worried or nervous.  He won the title fairly comfortably 6-1, 6-3.

Despite not winning the title, Ramos-Vinolas played brilliantly most of the tournament to get to the final; it was his mis-fortune to have to play the greatest player on clay in the final.  The first set went by too fast for him to relax and although he put up more resistance in the second set, it was not enough to derail Nadal from the title.

In winning this title he became the first male player to ever win a single tournament ten times; he also surpassed Guillermo Vilas, with his fiftieth clay court title; and this was his seventieth career singles title.  He deserves the title of the” king of clay“. He can make more history if he wins his next tournament, the Barcelona Open next week. If that is not mind-boggling enough and indicative of how great he is on clay, if he can win Roland Garros this year that will also be the tenth title there as well. He played like the Nadal of old, perhaps the great start to the year has reminded him that he can conquer his nerves and produce brilliant tennis.

CONGRATULATIONS to Rafael Nadal on his historical accomplishment.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: SHDR