Rafael Nadal is back in business on the clay in Monte Carlo. After a disappointing year so far, a quick and dominant win was just what he needed to start the clay season. Playing against young, Frenchman Lucas Pouille, Nadal showed great signs of what's to come in the incoming months. The pressure is always on in this important time of year for Nadal. All the tournaments are crucial in the run up to Roland Garros. However, not weighed down by the pressure, Rafa came on court confidently.
The match started slowly with both players taking time to figure out each others game. Rafa was interrupted with a time violation in the 3rd game, halting his momentum. After a confident hold for Rafa 3-2 in the first, you could sense his desire to break. With a series of fantastic forehands, Nadal broke Pouille's serve and led 4-2. As soon as he got hold of the break, Rafa quickly and easily closed out the set. Pouille's confidence and energy was diminishing while Rafa's was increasing. That's not a combination you want when attempting to beat the world number five.
The second set was plain sailing for the Spaniard. Nadal started playing even more relaxed, and he managed to pull off some pretty amazing shots. Glimpses of the clay court player we're used to seeing emerged, and Pouille could not keep up with the eight-time champion. Rafa raced ahead with the rest of the set and took the match 6-2, 6-1 in just 68 minutes.
Overall it was a perfect start for Rafa. His opponent was outside the top 100 but nonetheless, a straight forward win is always a confidence booster. Rafa seems relaxed and happy to be back on clay which is a great sign. Next up for Nadal is John Isner. He's a very challenging player that can really give Rafa a hard time, even on the clay. Rafa leads their head to head 4-0, but back in 2011 Isner took Rafa to five sets at the French Open.