Novak Djokovic halts Rafael Nadal in the final showdown – Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2013
Top seeded Serb, Novak Djokovic, outclassed the former world number one, Rafael Nadal, in straight sets at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2013 on Sunday. He notched up a 6-2, 7-6(1) victory against the Spaniard to grab the crown at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Masters 1000 event taking place in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The world number one, Djokovic dethroned the Spanish star in their 34th encounter. With this victory, the Serb ended Nadal’s 46 match winning streak and lowered trail in their FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series by 15-19.
The Belgrade native was quoted in a courtside interview after capturing his dream title:
“I think anybody who saw my expression in the end saw that it was a very emotional win for the reasons [of] living here and what I've been through in the last two weeks. It's a very joyful moment for me. I wanted that trophy badly all my life, especially in the last six, seven years that I've been spending my time and living here between the tournaments in Monaco. This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay-court season.”
Djokovic thundered into this match. He went on a five-game killing spree before the Spaniard could come on the score sheet. The Serb was broken in the seventh game but quickly cashed another break chance, eventually clicking the set with a 6-2 win.
The Serbian number one maintained his intensity at the Monte Carlo Country Club. He gifted away his serve in the fifth game and fell at 2-4. However, Djokovic not only recovered in the eighth game but stayed focused. He was broken again in the second last game but quickly snatched his break back and dragged the set to a tie-breaker. The Serb went berserk in it and eventually sealed the set with a 7-6(1) success.
The Spanish ace was bidding for his ninth straight Monte Carlo crown on these French clay courts. He has recently returned from a seven-month injury layoff since Wimbledon’s second round exit last season. Nadal was edged out by Horacio Zeballos in the title-round of the first tournament he entered after recovering. However, he won the following three tournaments after displaying impressive tennis skills.
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