MC: Into another final
Photo by Julian Finney/ Getty Images
On a very blustery day, Rafa played #15 Gilles Simon for the opportunity to play in his 8th consecutive Monte-Carlo final. Simon came out firing – he showed an aggressive game plan right from the start and it paid dividends. He was playing a lot of the points better than Rafa, but couldn’t step up on the key break points. Instead of hitting out, Rafa was taking pace off the ball to try and make Simon generate his own. For the most part, that worked. Rafa’s through: 6-3, 6-4.
Stats:
| Nadal | Simon | |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics on Serve | ||
| Aces | 3 | 2 |
| Double Faults | 2 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 57% | 57% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 27/37 (73%) | 23/32 (72%) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 19/28 (68%) | 12/24 (50%) |
| Break Points Saved | 7/7 (100%) | 3/5 (60%) |
| Service Games Played | 10 | 9 |
| Statistics on Return | ||
| 1st Return Points Won | 9/32 (28%) | 10/37 (27%) |
| Second Return Points Won | 12/24 (50%) | 9/28 (32%) |
| Break Points Won | 2/5 (40%) | 0/7 (%) |
| Return Games Played | 9 | 10 |
| Statistics on Points | ||
| Total Service Points Won | 46/65 (71%) | 35/56 (63%) |
| Total Return Points Won | 21/56 (38%) | 19/65 (29%) |
| Total Points Won | 67/121 (55%) | 54/121 (45%) |
| Other Stats | ||
| Winners | 17 | 10 |
| Unforced errors | 21 | 31 |
| Net Approaches | 5/8 (63%) | 5/9 (56%) |
As it happened blatherings:
Simon won the toss and elected to receive.
That was a fun rally: 15-15. Oh dear. I’m easily distracted today. This doesn’t bode well. Rafa holds.
Long rally ends with Rafa sending a forehand out: 30-0. Aggressive Simon? He holds at love: 1-1.
15-0. Simon sends a backhand out: 30-0. Service winner: 40-0. With a nice forehand winner, Rafa holds at love for 2-1.
Simon’s serve takes a bizzare bounce: 15-0. Double fault: 15-15. Rafa’s return is long: 30-15. Short ball, Rafa storms the net and hits a nice forehand that Simon can’t get back: 30-30. Another odd bounce and Rafa mishits: 40-30. Simon holds for 2-2.
What the heck are those glasses, Benito?
After a long rally, Rafa into the net again and hits a swinging volley behind Simon. Ace: 40-0. Second serve. Simon gets the ball right at Rafa’s feet, comes into the net, hit’s a decent shot, Rafa’s pass is wide: 40-15. Rafa into the net after a strong serve and smacks the floaty reply for a winner to hold. 3-2
In a 34 shot rally, Simon works Rafa’s backhand until he gets an error: 15-0. Rafa’s forehand is out: 30-0. Second serve. Another excellent point from Simon –works Rafa’s backhand and then fires a forehand winner down the line: 40-0. Simon, outhitting Rafa, holds at love for 3-3.
Again, Simon works the backhand and then hits a backhand cross-court winner to the open court: 0-15. Rafa’s forehand is well wide: 0-30. Ace: 15-30. Repeat the point before the ace: 15-40. That serve was into the middle of the doubles alley. Ball takes a super weird bounce and Simon loses his footing trying to adjust: 30-40. They really need to fix that darn court. Simon into the net, hits a nice first volley, Rafa replies and Simon nets: deuce. Simon sends a ball well long: game point. Bad drop shot attempt from Simon and Rafa holds. *whew* 4-3.
Simon sends a backhand long: 0-15. Backhand to backhand to backhand, etc, until Simon sends a ball out: 0-30. Rafa hits late and sends a forehand wide: 15-30. Simon overruns a forehand and sends it well out: 15-40. Second serve. Wind gusts blowing clay all over the place. Short angle from Rafa and Simon’s reply is out. Rafa breaks for a 5-3 lead.
Simon nets a service reply: 15-0. Rafa’s forehand is long: 15-15. Simon’s serve return is out: 30-15. Second serve. Simon’s return of serve is wide: 40-15. Rafa’s second serve clips the net and it pops out wide: 40-30. Second serve. Despite losing the ability to get a first serve in, Rafa holds and takes the first set 6-3.
43 minutes; 57% 1st serves in; 75% won on 1st serve; 75% on 2nd; 5 winners; 7 UFEs; 4/4 at net
Oh crap, forgot to walk in between sets. While I do, Simon holds and it’s 15-15 on Rafa’s serve. Ace: 30-15. Simon can’t do anything with the serve: 40-15. With a forehand winner, Rafa holds for 1-1.
0-30 for Simon on his serve. Beauty of a forehand from Simon, Rafa barely gets to it, but not in time: 15-30. Beautiful side spin drop shot from Rafa: 15-40. Simon nets a ball and Rafa breaks for a 2-1 lead in the second.
Rafa’s shot is out: 15-0. Second serve. Nice return from Simon and Rafa’s backhand is wide: 0-30. Both players running each other until Rafa ends it off with a forehand down the line winner: 15-30. Simon sends a forehand long: 30-30. Simon hits wide and short to Rafa’s forehand, Rafa runs it down, but sends his down the line shot out: 30-40. Second serve. Rafa gets into a forehand groove and Simon sends a ball well long: deuce. Simon thinks a ball was out, stops play and is right: break point #2. Service winner: deuce. Second serve. Simon hits the shit out of the ball until he finally draws an error from Rafa: break point #3. Second serve. Nice drop shot from Rafa and Simon can’t run it down: deuce. Service winner: game point. Simon’s ball is called out, he doesn’t agree, but chair is certain. Game, Rafa: 3-1 in the 2nd.
Error from Simon: 0-15. Rafa hits behind Simon and draws an error: 0-30. Simon into midcourt and hits a lovely forehand winner: 15-30. Simon had his shot, but pushes it long: 15-40. Nice serve: 30-40. Second serve. Rafa’s serve return is long: deuce. Rafa varies the pace/spin and Simon nets the ball: break point. Rafa sends a return into the doubles alley (the wind got him there, I think): deuce. Simon drop shots, Rafa gets there…but sends the ball wide: game point. Rafa had his chances, but Simon holds for 2-3.
Another touch drop shot from Rafa: 15-0. Nice deep shot from Simon draws an error: 15-15. Simon nets: 30-15. Rafa’s ball is called out, Simon isn’t sure, the chair comes down – out: 30-30. Simon pushes Rafa deeper/wider until he draws an error: 30-40. Fluffy second serve and Simon nets the reply: deuce. Excellent long rally somehow ends with both guys mid-court/nettish and Simon takes it: break point. Rafa steps up the pace on a forehand and draws an error: deuce. Beauty of a down the line forehand winner from Rafa: game point. Second serve. More wind gusts, pigeons flying…and Rafa saving break points with his forehand. Normal day. Rafa holds for 4-2.
30-0. Nice forehand from Rafa: 30-15. Rally starts with both guys angling each other off the court, then they move to the middle – ends with a long forehand from Rafa: 40-15. With an ace, Simon holds for 3-4.
30-0. Simon sends a shot long: 40-0. Double fault: 40-15. Second serve. Rafa sends a forehand into the net…halfway down the net: 40-30. Simon had a forehand set up for him, but he nets it and Rafa holds for 5-3.
Nicely constructed point from Simon – he smashes a winner at the net: 15-0. Simon sends a ball long: 15-15. Second serve. Rafa bosses a point – hitting hard – but Simon sneaks in a backhand winner crosscourt to take it: 30-15 (35 shot rally). Simon into the net, Rafa gets the ball high to Simon’s backhand and Simon sends the ball into the net: 30-30. Rafa nets a ball: 40-30. Simon sends a ball long: deuce. Massive forehand winner from Simon: game point. Simon nets a backhand, Rafa nets a serve retrun: game point. Simon sends a forehand well long: deuce. Rafa into the net, Simon gets the ball low and Rafa can’t get it up and over the net: game point. Second serve. It was a tough fight, but Simon holds to force Rafa to serve for the match.
Rafa storms the net, hits a semi smash into the open court, it’s called out. Chair overrules: 15-0. Secondn serve. Beautiful angle from Simon draws Rafa well wide, Rafa barely gets it back, Simon into the net…and nets it: 30-0. Nice angles from both guys – Simon sends the ball into the net: 40-0. Let. Forehand winner and Rafa’s into the final: 6-3, 6-4.
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i still felt that his returns at times are shorter than that of nole but he tries to compensate it with his superb defense…i hope that would be enough against nole but i fear it is not enough. novak is waaayyyy better than simon and if he plays the same way as he did i’m afraid he’s we’re not gonna see him bite his 8th trophy.
Haha.. i was thinking same as you kyukee, until i saw Nole’s match against Berdych yesterday. Rafa doesn’t have to play *Godkavic*, he hasn’t shown so far, Novak’s not playing like the guy who beat Rafa in 7 finals. Berdych did not have the skill to make full benefit of Nole’s mistakes, but Rafa does.
O.K. – i’m fully aware that Novak’s will be extra motivated against Rafa becoz of his grandfather’s death – he’s going to fight like mad to win for Grampa, but this being Monte Carlo, and Rafa being Rafa, and Nole just off the boil, Rafa has his best chance for a win. And it’s going to be an awesome match anyways around!
I hope wind at Monte Carlo will help Rafa to win. None at the tourney can adapt to the wind blows like Our Boy.
Though we all want Rafa to win I do not think it will happen especially if he plays the way he played against Simon. Rafa has not won a single title this year and this too will build the pressure against Nole. Should Rafa win this it will build his confidence for RG. Like most of you I will not watch the match as I do not want to see Rafa losing again and that too on clay. However best wishes to Rafa!!
Most won’t watch it? Seriously? I don’t get people saying they won’t watch it. This is the essence of sport. I don’t get being a fan of an athlete if you can’t deal with competition. I just don’t. All I can say is: thank goodness Rafa is willing to go out there and fight even if some aren’t willing to stand in his corner and urge him on.
I totally agree, Miri
What’s the essence of being a fan if you’re not able to watch a high stake match? I think the emotional state a match like this brings, WIN or LOSS, is the reason all of us have become this man’s fans in the first place!
All I ask of my favorites, all I feel it’s fair to ask is that they step out on the court believing they have a chance and then fighting hard to make that chance a reality. I don’t demand they win all the time. I’m sad when they lose, but only really sad if I feel they lost before they stepped onto the court (aka, Wimbledon 2011 final).
I became a fan of Rafa during the 2006 Wimbledon final. At first, I thought he looked like an idiot and he played that first set like he felt the same way too – so nervous and jittery. But then, after suffering that huge embarrassment of a first set, he started fist-pumping at the start of the second and had a look about him like, “I CAN do this!” That’s what I want in a player. More then victories, more than dominance, more than anything…the belief in self and the ability to overcome their doubts and face whoever is on the other side of the net.
We are so spoiled by Rafa’s wins. Try being a fan of a lower ranked player – you’ll learn to live with the losses a bit more.
I like what Miri said “..More then victories, more than dominance, more than anything…the belief in self and the ability to overcome their doubts and face whoever is on the other side of the net. ”
Rafa is a beacon of inspiration and epitomises how HARD WORK & DETERMINATION translates to SUCCESS!
I am so excited to see this match,this will be a wonderful match, the best part is seeing Rafa fight in his matches, wonderful fighting spirit..
Vamos to Rafa!!
Agree
Vamos!
I’ll cheer extra loud for you peterpan ;) VAMOS RAFA!!
I will be watching and cheering for Rafa no matter what. Of course it would be sad to see him lose again…but come on everybodyguys, do you really think it helps Rafa for you to not watch his match becausee you fear he will lose? That “aktitude” does not reflect Rafa’s overall attitude and philosophy of doing one’s best, accepting what happens, and moving forward. So, I hope that those of you who have decided not to watch the match will change your minds and decide to offer as much positive energy as possible to help Rafa win!!!! And, as one who has often recoiled from Novak’s gestures, shirt ripping, etc. I do have respect for his talent and for his commitment to family especially during a difficult week for them, not so unlike Rafa’s commitment to his own family. So…VAMOS RAFA!! I do believe you can win tomorrow!!!!
Why wouldn’t people want to watch this match?
Why does Rafa’s fans want him to win when they are not even willing to fight with him? Isn’t watching Rafa trying to overcome himself worth watching? I’m hoping for a win of course and but if Rafa can’t make it for the 8th time, cry I might but I won’t stop watching Rafa.
Rafa is right, you know. It is a bit too early for him to face Djokovic. I had thought the same last night after his win over Simon. But I am still anticipating to see what Rafa will bring to the court later.
Please, even though the stress of the match could be so very bad for our heart and mind, but let’s just give support for Rafa when we should!
I feel silly but when Rafa always thank people for the support during his speeches (either as champion or winner up), I always reply to Rafa on tv ‘You are Welcome, The pleasure is all mine!’
it will be the first time ive not watched a rafa match. Im a massive Rafa fan and tennis fan and do love the competition and Nole is a great tennis player but i do not like his demeanor and i would rather not see his shirt ripping, chest pumping yelling out like a banshee after his victory especially at MC. It will put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
But what about if Rafa wins, would you like to miss that live?
i sooooooooo agree dana, that’s why i’ll watch live!
Well thats what YouTube and SkyTV is for…we have people who post the matches on or we can record it! I for one HARDLY watches his matches live. I am with him spiritually and I check the scores mercilessly. But to watch sometimes I feel I jinx him (yeah..I AM THAT POWERFUL! LOL)
But some news gave me hope yesterday…His team Real Madrid BEAT Barcelona!!!!! If that doesnt give him the confidence today – I dont know what will.
I’ll be cheering him on and thanking Miri for posting the winning match!!!
I will sky + the match and check the result. Should Rafa win I will watch it if not I will delete it immediatelyt . I know Rafa will give his all, no doubt about that but he has said he feels he is not ready so he will not be confident so that says it all really for me. I do not want to see Rafa lose another time to nole,not today and not at MC.
I hope he plays a great match and wins. Good luck.
Its hard to watch Rafa lose matches but I just love to watch him battle it out, he is a very exciting player to watch.
I felt sorry for Rafa at Aus open when djoko ripped his shirt like hulk, that felt uncomfortable to watch but I feel proud to be a Rafa fan because like federer he is respectful, humble and kind.
I think Rafa will pull it out the bag and win on sunday. Its uncomfortable for him but needs to play a different game to beat djoko, take the ball early, serve better and win some free points, stand forward on the baseline and get more bite on those backhand slices.
djoko plays his best game against Rafa now, just like Rafa plays his best game against federer and wins a lot of their matches. Rafa needs to up his game against djoko from now on, I will watch the score and pray he wins.
as fans we have to understand he will lose sometimes, im from the uk and murray fans dont enjoy watching him lose grand slam after grand slam but you still support your favourite player and pray they improve.
I agree, watching Rafa play Novak makes me so “nervious” I can hardly stand it, but I’d feel worse not watching. I even have Rafa-like rituals that I hope will help him,…at least they help me get through a match! My neighbor once came running over to check on me because she heard me screaming in agony during a match:) I truly believe that Rafa can win tomorrow. I think the timing is right, and that this is the best opportunity he’s had in a long time to defeat Novak.
Rafa, I will be follow your game on my phone again, due to I don’t have the TV channel showing the game. Rafa, You Will WIN!!!!!!!! Believe Yourself!!!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!!!!! Remember all your fans are supporting you forever! Go Rafa Rafa!!!!!!!!
I think I’m going to watch it although its at 5 am my time.
I know Rafa will fight like crazy and do his best which is all we can ask for really.
I hope he can do it, but if not all of us should get behind him and look forward to Barcelona.
Yeah, my problem is also the early hour and my inability to cope with the slightest sleep loss. We all know Rafa will be giving his all!
You all need to read ‘Winner’s Curse’ again – link in Miri’s Rafalint:April 20.
Amen! That’s such an excellent article. Expresses exactly how I feel.
I have positive feelings about tomorrow. This is Rafa. They’re playing on clay. Rafa is the king of clay. Vamos baby!!!!
Go Rafa!!!!!!!!
I’ll watch it live even if I have many heart failures..:)
What an entertaining match that was against Gil Simon..
I loved watching the long rallies.. Rafa had a few varieties.
All I hope for today is he plays more aggresive and with more
variety .. Of course he knows that Djok can play long rallies
as well.. Yes, wish that encounter was a few weeks later.. But I have good feelings for today..
VAMOS RAFA !! Come on, Do it !!
*
Last year at Roland Garros Rafa continually said he wasn’t ready to win the title that year. Apparently he’s said this week it’s too early to face Djok. Well we know what happened at RG last year!! I believe it’s never too early to face Djok. Rafa will come out on fire today. He knows Djok might not have 100% concentration today. Djok’s expended more energy, been frustrated & ratty so is obviously feeling the pressure.
Today is THE DAY for Rafa to show whose BOSS on CLAY.
Regarding Djok’s shirt ripping, the ATP should just ban it. Footballers ( in the UK, not sure about worldwide) are banned from revealing their torso after scoring a goal so why should tennis players be allowed to rip t-shirts off after winning. It’s a sign of arrogance & lack of respect from the player. If Rafa did that in front of Federer (which he would never dream of) we’d never hear the end of it!!
We know Rafa well enough to know he wants to win today more than anything else right now. Hopefully he’ll be full of confidence after his beloved Real Madrid beat FC Barcelona yesterday & that will carry him to his own WIN today. VAMOS RAFA & all his fans in Monte Carlo watching the match live.
Karen, exactly. If Rafa tore his shirt off after playing federer the media and fans would go mad.
Djoko seems to get away with bad behaviour on court and he’s hailed a hero.
Anyway I hope Rafa’s fans send positive energy through the tv and pray he wins.
Come on people! This is 50/50. They both have a lot to win or to lose. So my guess is that they both will be under a ton of pressure. We can forget about “who wants it more”. They both do. The only reason why I wouldn’t watch this match would be if something important in “real life” came in between all of the sudden. Otherwise occasions like this one are the reason why I like this sport.
Here’s hopping for a really good match… y que el mejor gane! ;)
I agree, but all I hope is that if fans on here don’t fall out over it if Rafa loses as was very clear after the Miami tournament. I will watch the match but if it appears to be going to djokovic I shall stop watching because he is over the top with the victory glory. Anyway, VAMOS RAFA ALL THE WAY :-)
Go Rafa Go!!!!!!!!
YES! RAFA, You Did It! You Won! What A Great Win! We are all very Proud Of You! You finally able to over come this mentally. Keep Going, let’s finish up the rest of the Clay season and All the other matches from now on! Hooray for Rafa, the great Champion! Congrats!