A Win for Both of 'Em
The ATP Masters Series final in Monte Carlo in which Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer again was actually a “win” for both of them in a way… For Rafa, after a dry spell from Wimbledon 2006 until he won the title at the Pacific Life Open last month, the clay clearly feels like home again. Nadal’s third win in three years at Monte Carlo which ended with his victory over Federer has to give Nadal plenty of confidence as he heads towards
Roland Garros. Nadal may continue his winning ways at the other clay court events leading up to the French Open, but even if he doesn’t, this win should boost his confidence a lot. On the other side of the net, in his first tournament of the year on clay, Federer lost another tight final to Nadal. Coming off back-to-back upset losses to Guillermo Canas at the Pacific Life and Sony Ericsson Opens, this performance has to give Federer a fair amount of confidence on clay, especially with a couple other tournaments to go prior to Paris. Clearly, Federer wants to win every match he plays again Nadal. However, since it would be very tough for Federer to beat Nadal several times in a row on clay, it may help Federer to lose earlier in the clay court season as he builds towards a possible victory should they meet again at Roland Garros. A lot can happen in the next month, but it’s impressive that Nadal and Federer have already picked up where they left off on the dirt a year ago…
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