Novak Djokovic (1) takes on Rafael Nadal (3) in the ATP 1000 Monte Carlo Open semi-finals tomorrow. Nadal leads the head to head, spanning eight years, 23-19, and leads the clay head to head 14-4. The Tennis Review previews the action and predicts the winner.
Rafael Nadal will go into his match against Novak Djokovic as an underdog on clay for the first time in ten years.
That it should be Novak Djokovic who is the favorite against him comes as no surprise. The world No.1 has won the three biggest titles of the year so far (Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami), and is cruising through his section of the draw, dropping just three games to Marin Cilic in their quarter-final.
Djokovic also has history against Nadal in Monte Carlo- he was the first man to beat Rafael Nadal there for nine years when he defeated the Spaniard in the 2013 final. He has also had wins over him on Clay in Rome (2011, 2014), and Madrid (2011).
Nadal. meanwhile, has been losing early, bar his ATP 250 Buenos Aires Open win this year, at every event, and has been speaking openly about his lack of confidence.
In his quarter-final in Monte Carlo, Nadal was pushed to three sets by his 2014 Monte Carlo conqueror David Ferrer, notching, arguably, considering Ferrer’s strong 2015 form, his best win of the season.
That should restore some confidence for him, but it will not be enough. The world no. 5 has not played anyone of Djokovic’s strength since the last time he played the Serbian in the Roland Garros 2014 final.
Nadal may have the upper-hand over Djokovic in five set matches in Paris, but at Clay Masters, Djokovic has won 4 of their last 6 matches, three of them in straight sets.
Djokovic has the game and strategy to beat Nadal in best of three at Clay when Nadal has been near his best- it is hard to see him not executing that game when the Spaniard is at, perhaps, his weakest point for a decade.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
Watch Novak Djokovic defeating Rafael Nadal in the 2013 Monte Carlo final below.
Commentary by Christian Deverille @thetennisreview
Follow the Miami Open and The ATP Tour with The Tennis Review
Who do you think will win this match? Please share your thoughts below.
Liked this article? Please share it 🙂
thetennisreview 
Leave a comment