Rob McLean - Nadal mark two set for Monte Carlo launch
Crisis what crisis? Hopefully that will be the feeling for Rafael Nadal at the end of week if he wins a sixth consecutive Monte Carlo title.
The picturesque setting for one of the most famous events may provide the spark to relaunch his career. At No 3 in the world and a few recent semi-final appearances, he is not exactly on his last legs, but it is the question of his knees.
Monte Carlo is one of the oldest tournaments in the history of tennis, going back to 1897; the 11 months since the Spaniard won his last title may feel just as long.
Rewind to April 2009. Then he was world No 1 and had Roger Federer on the run. He was so feared on the red stuff that players were pretty much giving up the ghost the moment they saw their name on the draw alongside the Spaniard.
Today, as he returns to his favourite surface, the Spaniard now has the chance to silence the lingering doubts about his form and the tendinitis problem that curtailed one of the greatest, if the not greatest, rivalries with Federer.
He goes into Monaco with a 27-match winning streak at that event. Anything other than the title will be a big setback. There will be no Federer, Andy Roddick or Robin Soderling to worry about but Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will be participating.
Murray did well on the dirt last year, so has a lot of ranking points to defend. He was brought up on the stuff during his tennis education in Spain and with his great variation and tactical ability there is no reason why he can’t win titles on it unless, of course, he is still out of love with the game.
He seems to be in love off the court. Back with girlfriend Kim Sears and wielding his considerable power to ensure Greg Rusedski didn't get the Davis Cup captaincy. Instead Leon Smith, his old coach and friend, has got the job.
His appointment has ruffled a few feathers due to his low profile but it just shows Murray's influence, although he denies it. John Lloyd, his predecessor was reported to have said recently that it was "impossible" for Smith to get the job. "It would be a joke," he said. "I am telling you they can't do that."
But who cares if Smith has little experience at the top - the main thing is that if it makes Murray happy and ensures he plays in most of the ties, we start moving up the divisions in quick time. If Murray plays we win, if he doesn't we lose. His every whim should be indulged. End of story.
Final thought on Monte Carlo is not the glamour, the amazing setting by the Mediterranean or the high rollers and all those stars in their tax free havens, it is the rather sad figure of Bjorn Borg, yes, him again, making his comeback in 1991 after 10 years with a clutch of wooden rackets. He was beaten in straight sets by Spanish journeyman called Jordi Arrese and many observers felt his opponent had felt sorry for him and let him off lightly.
Now Nadal, the present day version of the Swede in terms of his domination on clay, has spent the last few years driving everyone into the dirt, with the exception of Soderling. If Nadal relinquishes his title his rivals won't be feeling sorry for the man with six grand slams.
READ ROB MCLEAN EXCLUSIVELY AT TENNIS.CO.UK EVERY TUESDAY
Date published :
13 Apr 2010 - 08:34:44
