Tennis: Rafael Nadal became the first player in the Open era to win four consecutive Monte Carlo Masters titles when he beat world number one Roger Federer in the final for the third year-in-a-row today.
The second seeded Spaniard has won his last 22 matches in the
principality and has already shown he is the hot favourite to win
next month's French Open for the fourth year in succession.
Before him, only New Zealand's Anthony Wilding had won four
straight titles in Monte Carlo, back in 1914.
The 21-year-old Nadal improved his personal record against
Federer to 9-6 - 7-1 on clay - and is undefeated on the Monte Carlo
clay since a third-round loss to Argentine Guillermo Coria in 2003.
"It's unthinkable, winning here for the fourth year in a
row," Nadal told a courtside interview.
Federer, who lost his Australian Open crown in January and
had to wait until last Sunday to claim his first title of the year
in Estoril, said: "He's a tough player on clay. Maybe my attacking
game did not work so well.
"I'm still close (to beating him). It's not getting much
easier but I am right there and it's a good thing."
Federer, who was on the brink of defeat against Spanish
qualifier Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo in the first round, said he felt
relieved to be back.
"I am coming back strong and am happy the way things are
now," said the Swiss, who had mononucleosis earlier this year.
"A few weeks ago I was still in a bit of doubt."
Following an early exchange of breaks, Federer stole Nadal's
serve in the seventh game, only for the Spaniard to break straight
back with a crosscourt forehand winner.
The Majorcan put all his energy into the 12th game and
claimed the set by retrieving a nonchalant volley from Federer.
The Swiss 12-times grand slam winner, who was inefficient on
second serve, did not look strong enough to trouble Nadal.
But he came into the second set all guns blazing, attacking
the net and managing to hold serve after breaking in the first
game.
The Swiss made his point clearer by breaking to love in the
third and by the end of the fourth game had allowed his opponent
only four points.
However, Nadal did not give up and as Federer's level of play
nosedived he won the next five games. The Swiss still had some
pride left to level at 5-5.
But Nadal, his teeth firmly in his prey, wrapped it up after
one hour and 43 minutes when Federer sent a backhand long, his 44th
unforced error.