RAFA NADAL: THE ULTIMATE KING OF CLAY

No surprises at Rolex Monte Carlo Masters first semi-final match between Rafa Nadal (1) vs Grigor Dimitrov (5).

Today Rafa Nadal showed us once more why he is the ultimate king of clay. What can you do, if your opponent is always one step ahead of you?

Grigor Dimitrov is neither out of form nor played badly. In fact he did play good. But being good is never enough when playing against Rafa Nadal.

First set Rafa dominated game but Dimitrov fought back  and found ways to hold on set. Neverthless Rafa took it 6-4.

If Dimitrov could be better in his first serve and especially 2nd serves and could have made lesser unforced errors, he would have better chance against Spaniard. But i guess it is also related that Rafa made so extraordinary shots , deep shots which makes his opponent could not answer back. He simply doesn't let his rival play his game.

When second set started, it was just like the first set. I guess Dimitrov felt a bit hopeless, as he was trying to play his game but got no chance. It must have been quiet distracting. At some point if you think that your opponent is way better and no way to break him, then you lose focus. I think most of players have some kind of idea while they are playing against Rafa Nadal. Second set was quicker. Rafa took the match 6-4, 6-1 and become the first finalist tomorrow and he will play for his 11th championship.

There are many things makes Rafa Nadal very special. His great technique, his top spin forehands and backhands, his extradioary shots almost in every angle, his passion, his determination but most importantly he takes every single match, every single opponent at his most seriousness. No matter how your ranking is, no matter how he is masterful in this game, if there is a match for him to play, he gives complete focus and importance to win it. More importantly Rafa Nadal keeps doing it for years. 

Rafa Nadal deserves all kinds of praise and appreciation. But as a fan, in general, ( I love Rafa Nadal) at some point when one player constantly wins and no other player even come close to push this dominant one, game starting to be so predictable and doesn't give so much excitement. Competition makes this game so fun and dynamic. I hope for the rest of the season, other guys on tour, can show better performances against Rafa Nadal especially on clay. 

Now there is another match about to begin: Kei Nishikori vs Alex Zverev. 

According to me Zverev can beat Nishikori. But yesterday Richard Gasquet tired Zverev a lot. I really don't know how well his fitness is. Considering the fact that Nishikori is also coming back from injury, Zverev have better chances. But who knows?!

*Photo taken from tennis1885 instagram page.