Rafael Nadal undoes Andy Murray to lock title match spot at the Monte-Carlo Masters
World Number 1 Rafael Nadal defeated wild card and third seed Andy Murray in three competitive sets at the 2011 Monte Carlo Masters just seconds ago, undoing his British opponent in the semi-final of the event. Nadal undid Murray
in three sets 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, concluding the match with a victory in just a little under three hours.
The match was a thrilling encounter between the two players, as they volleyed back and forth to secure a position in the final of the tournament. The first set began with Murray winning the first four games, after which Nadal hit
his stride and scored two winners and broke Murray thrice. The first set consisted of five service and return games apiece.
Andy Murray surprised spectators in the second round of the match, playing positively Nadal-esque tennis to challenge his top seeded opponent completely. He covered the red court like an expert, barely moving from the baseline
while Nadal flew all over his end to save points. The set ended with Murray winning his first ever set over Nadal on clay, with a 6-2 win.
At this point, many fans felt that the Scottish pro would be able to score his fifth victory over Nadal to reach the title match at Monte Carlo. However, Nadal was determined to avenge the loss of the second set, and took the first
four games with ease, shooting Murray a vindictive stare across the court. The Spanish player quickly shattered Murray’s dreams by rushing to a 4-0 lead in the third set as Murray struggled against the pro, and lost the edge he had gained in the second set
of the match.
The third set was almost complete annihilation, as Nadal took a whopping 86 per cent of his first serve points, leaving Murray far behind at 31 per cent to win the set 6-1. The top player won the match 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 in less than
three hours.
Rafael Nadal will now face compatriot and fourth seed David Ferrer in the title match of the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters Monte Carlo.
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