Nadal vs Federer in Monte Carlo
First 2008 Match-up of No.1 and No.2 ATP Players
Nadal goes for four in a row in Monte Carlo, but Federer stands in his way.
Roger Federer Back on Form
Perhaps it bodes well for Roger Federer that Novak Djokovic retired mid-way through the second set. Although Federer apparently has found his form, beginning with the second set against Nalbandian (5-7, 6-2, 6-2), he will probably need every bit of his energy against Rafa Nadal in the Monte Carlo final. Given all the discussion about Roger's health over the past several weeks, his fitness to go the distance with Rafa has to be questioned.
Rafa Nadal Dominant in Monte Carlo
Nadal’s confidence has to be higher than his looping forehand after taking out two talented clay-courters (Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer) in straight sets his previous two matches. Federer, on the hand, has struggled through two three-setters in four matches, and has not had his typical stellar start to the year. He did however claim his first title of the year in Estoril on clay, while Rafa has yet to win an event in '08.
Federer Seeking to Continue Streak
Despite the above, there can be little question that Nadal is the favorite in this first match-up of the top two players in the world. Nadal has been the best clay-courter in the world the past few years, has won 17 consecutive matches at Monte Carlo, and has beaten Federer the past two years in the finals. He will surely be seeking to reestablish his dominance of Federer on clay, and to end Federer’s two-match streak against him (Masters Cup and Wimbledon).
Nadal Goes for Near Century-old Record
Nadal is also aiming to tie a record that is almost 100 years old. Not since Anthony Wilding in 1911- 1914 has a player won the Monte Carlo title four years in a row. Only one other player, Ilie Nastasie, has done it three consecutive times (1971 - 1973). Federer, a tennis history buff, is certainly aware of Rafa’s history-making effort, and will do all that he can to thwart Nadal's effort and quiet the talk about his slump.
Which Federer Will Appear?
It’s a given that Nadal will bring intensity of the fiercest brand seen on tour, and will be ready to go the championship distance. However, given his performance thus far in '08, It is hard to know what Roger Federer will bring to final. But if Federer is the greatest player of all time as many (including this author) contend, he needs to step up and push Nadal to a third set or win this first marquee match-up of the year.
