2016 Monte-Carlo Masters Final - [5] Nadal vs. [13] Monfils

[cc0509]

I think Rafa really earned that title. His draw was very tough. Very dramatic way to get back to top form.
I also think it's good for Novak because he needs a serious challenger not to get complacent. He's gonna need to come up with something very special now if he wants to a- keep the head to head edge and b- regain the master title record. We all know that when Nadal gets on a roll, he becomes close to unbeatable.

Let's not get carried away completely. The Nadal I saw in the final vs Monfils today is not ready to beat the Djokovic I've seen for the past year. IF however, Djokovic's form takes a dip that's a different story. There's a long way to go until the FO. Too early to make any blanket statements. Let's see what happens in Madrid and Rome especially if Nadal and Djokovic meet.

 

[jackknifeslice]

I think Nadal has a shot at going really deep in Barcelona now. Nishi will be too strong but some more points at least.

nadal would rape nisikori on clay in this form

 

[malbaker86]

Rafa needs a full two weeks to relax before FO! No if or buts about it! Rafa needs to be fresh both mentally and physically!

I wonder if he can move up to the #4 ranking before the FO

 

[beast of mallorca]

nadal would rape nisikori on clay in this form

Really ? Rape ? Don't underestimate The Ninja, Chichi......

 

[disgruntledamsel]

Monfils showed that he is more commited to playing to win versus playing to entertain lately, but that's not enough. He has to get in shape first; yeah, he's the most athletically gifted player on tour, but he has the stamina of a slug. Downing cokes at changeovers for an energy burst ain't gonna cut it. It boggles my mind when I read posts about how fast he is and he can get to every ball, he just needs to get serious...because in reality winning a tournament requires sustained focus and stamina. Someone compared him to a big cat - that's true. He's like a cheetah with his quick movements and power, but cheetahs only move when they're hungry and sleep 18 hours a day. Apparently, he's hungry now. Let's see if he can put in the training time so that he can focus on his talents and strategy rather than whether he can get through the match. Watching him suck in air and bending over by game 4 drives me crazy.

 

[Bartelby]

Nothing wrong with the fitness of Monfils - he is an 'all-natural' athlete.

 

[ultradr]

I'm pretty impressed with Monfils. I've never seen Monfils hit this good. Man, he has improved.

 

[MichaelNadal]

There's nothing you can say, I know the truth.

Lol it's always obvious with him. #work

 

[MichaelNadal]

Nothing wrong with the fitness of Monfils - he is an 'all-natural' athlete.

Unlike Sharapova

 

[WarrenMP]

Great first 2 sets. What happen Monfils in the second? I wanted Monfils to win.

 

[beast of mallorca]

Great first 2 sets. What happen Monfils in the second? I wanted Monfils to win.

Part of me wants LeMonf to win as well. 5-19 in the Finals is just too much. This is one of Rafa's matches, where if he lost, I wouldn't be that disappointed.

RAFA already has won 8 MC Open trophies, and Monfils has zeroMasters 1000......and 5-19 Finals......that just stings. Really do feel sorry for him. Although, I'm also glad that Rafa's game is on its way up.

Hope at some point, The Guru wins a Big One ( hopefully, not at Rafa's expense )

 

[clayqueen]

Of course Rafa has a better game than Nole he just needs to keep 'colm' and not let his nerves take over.

 

[clayqueen]

I think Nadal has a shot at going really deep in Barcelona now. Nishi will be too strong but some more points at least.

Too strong? Nisei wasn't too strong last time they met.