Rafael Nadal is playing his typical best during the clay court portion of the ATP Tour. He embarrassed David Ferrer in straight sets today in Monaco and hasn’t been bothered by his knees. He will compete for a sixth straight Monte Carlo Masters title tomorrow against Fernando Verdasco.
From ESPN.com:
It will be the first all-Spanish final at Monte Carlo since Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Carlos Moya in 2002. Verdasco has lost all nine matches against Nadal, who will be aiming for his first title since beating Djokovic on clay last May at the Rome Masters.
Nadal has won 31 successive matches in Monaco. Verdasco has won four titles in his career to 36 for Nadal.
“This year I think I am playing much better because I am running a little bit better,” Nadal said. “I am playing more aggressive. That’s very important.”
Nadal had lost his two previous semifinals, to Andy Roddick and Ivan Ljubicic on hard courts in Masters events at the Sony Ericsson Open and BNP Paribas Open.
“It’s very important for me to be in this final,” Nadal said. “I played a very good match today. I was a little bit more nervous than usual because I lost two semifinals in a row.
“Verdasco has always had amazing potential. If he is focused mentally, his shots are unbelievable.”
I wish the Tour had better coverage so I could catch this match. The Tennis Channel is carrying it, and while I’d love to see how Rafa looks in the weeks leading up the French Open, I’ll save my money in this instance. Plus, it’s nearly a forgone conclusion that Nadal nabs the title as he holds a 9-0 record against Verdasco and is playing on his favorite surface.
