ThrowbackTimes Monte Carlo: Rafael Nadal tops Roger Federer for a three-peat

The 2006 edition of the Monte Carlo Masters was the last one with the best-of-five format in the final and the full draw of 64 players (Roger Federer played against Novak Djokovic in the first round), with Rafael Nadal toppling Roger Federer 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 in just under four hours to defend the title claimed a year earlier. Things had changed significantly in 2007, with the first-round bye for the top eight seeds and the best-of-three final that saw another clash between Federer and Nadal after they both defeated all the rivals in straight sets. The Spaniard was the dominant figure in the Principality once again, winning the third consecutive title in Monte Carlo and the first without dropping a set after a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Roger in an hour and 35 minutes. It was their tenth meeting on the Tour and the seventh win for Nadal, the fifth on clay, extending his dominance over world no. 1 that started back in Miami 2004 when he was just 17.

Nadal had the edge in the more extended exchanges to secure his triumph, pushing Federer's backhand to the limits and making more damage on the return than the Swiss. The Spaniard saved all three break chances to keep the pressure on Roger, delivering one break in each set to wrap up the victory in no time at all, extending his Monte Carlo winning streak to 17. Nadal made the difference with his second serve, controlling his strokes nicely and finishing with just 19 unforced errors in comparison to Federer's 38. Also, the Swiss served at 55% and that plagued his chances as well, having to play against eight break chances and suffering two breaks. Roger had the opportunity to grab an early lead, sending a forehand long in game two to squander a break that would have been very important for him. Eager to avenge that tight loss from 12 months ago, Federer was the better player on the court in the opening eight games, drawing another break point with a smash winner at 4-3.

Nadal fended it off with a service winner before giving Roger another chance to gain a significant lead. His forehand couldn't find the target and that was his third and last break opportunity, with Nadal closing the game after another mistake from his rival. Federer paid the price very soon, spraying four errors to drop serve and find himself 5-4 down, leaving Nadal to serve for the opener. Instead of moving 40-15 up on the return in the next game, Roger landed a loose forehand and Rafa sealed the set with a forehand crosscourt winner for a 6-4 after 47 minutes. Federer had to fend off a break point in the opening game of the second set before Nadal fired a backhand down the line winner in game three to claim the break that carried him safely home. Federer reached deuce on the return at 2-3, although Rafa kept his composure to make a hold and create a 4-2 gap for another step towards the title.

In the seventh game, Federer repelled three break chances to remain within one break deficit and keep at least some possibilities for a turnaround. Rafa was not to be denied, though, holding at love in game eight and earning a match point on the return a few minutes later. Federer saved it with a forehand winner and delivered a service winner to force Nadal to serve for the triumph. The Spaniard was in a good rhythm behind the initial shot, sealing the deal when Roger sent a backhand long and celebrating the third straight Monte Carlo title as the first player to achieve that since Ilie Nastase in the early 70s.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2xbBzud