The Nadal/Djokovic rivalry is one that never fails to disappoint. Over the years their matches have often taken place when a win matters the most. It's pure talent and power on display, making it so enjoyable for tennis enthusiasts. It was the duo's 43rd meeting today in Monte Carlo, and both men were aiming for a place in the final, but Novak Djokovic edged Rafael Nadal for a 6-3, 6-3 win. However, the match was a little tighter than the scoreline suggested.
Both men came out on court confidently. From the first point the quality was high, more so from Nadal's side of the court. The Spaniard dominated the early points and immediately broke for a 1-0 lead. He built upon that by holding onto his serve spectacularly to push himself two games in front. Nadal was clearly in control and he looked confident. Rafa continued to put pressure on the Serb's serve, although Djokovic held for 2-1. At this point the world number one started to fire up, and with a little lack in concentration from Rafa he broke back to level up.
The game at 3-3 lasted over ten minutes and was truly superb as both men were playing a very high level of tennis. Djokovic started to target Nadal's backhand and his shots became deeper and a lot more accurate. The Spaniard knew how to handle it though and just kept on fighting, refusing to give away any points. After many deuces and a few break points saved by Djokovic, the number one seed managed to hold, and it wasn't easy. That tiresome game seemed to have thrown Rafa off slightly as his game started to weaken. Djokovic was able to gain that crucial break and later take the set 6-3.
From the first game it was clear that Djokovic was more confident and relaxed, he dominated play. Rafa had started to get tired, it's been a while since he's played such a high level of tennis, and it was clear it was taking it's toll. The Spaniard stayed close to Novak through the second set although he continued to hold with difficulty. Djokovic was playing within the court more, forcing Nadal to come out of his comfort zone of the baseline. As Nadal continued to get tired, his balls started landing shorter, making it easier for Djokovic to take control of the points. At 3-3 in the second set, Djokovic was desperate to get ahead, while Nadal needed to hold. In a 12 minute long game with some incredible tennis and exciting points, Djokovic finally broke Rafa and took control of the match. From then on, Novak could quite easily close out the match 6-3, 6-3.
The game at 3-3 in both sets proved to be the most crucial. Both players in their press conference afterwards admitted that they were the most important games to win. Djokovic won them both. In the end, he handled the pressure better and could deal with everything Nadal tried to throw at him.
With Nadal being undercooked in terms of how to win big matches (his last match against the top seed came last year in June) and Djokovic on his top form, it was fairly clear how this match would turn out. However, this columnist was immensely impressed with how Rafa competed. Even though he lost in straight sets, he put up a fight and was able to stay with Djokovic on the majority of points. His level of tennis and his mentality have improved vastly since the start of the year, and it's just scary to think how good he could be in time for the French Open. This columnist does not think that this match says that much in terms of the rest of the clay season. Djokovic is in superb form as always, and Nadal is not. In no way does that mean French Open wise, the nine-time champion will not be able to defend his title. Everything changes in Paris, it always does. Rafa's like a different clay courter there, he's just even better.
However, this match was important for many reasons. It will have given Djokovic even more confidence. Beating the King of Clay on clay to start off the season is a great sign for him. For Rafa, this match will be very useful. He'll be able to analyse in depth exactly what he needs to do to be ready for the inevitable future matches with the Serb. Nadal admitted that this week was his best week yet this year, which obviously is a great sign regarding his rise to his best form.
Today, Rafa's level was probably about 10% to 20% lower than it most likely will be in one months time. Although Djokovic is dominating the mens tour right now, once we start to approach the middle of the clay court season, the King of Clay is likely to be fired up. However, right now, Djokovic is unstoppable. It was a very impressive performance by him today, and he will face Berdych in the final of Monte Carlo tomorrow.