rogerfederer.com - Roger unable to beat Rafa on clay

Roger unable to beat Rafa on clay

Today’s finalists of the Monte Carlo Masters were identical to 2006 and 2007: Roger met his closest rival in the rankings, Rafael Nadal. Unfortunately Roger was once again unable to steal the title from the Spaniard, losing 5-7, 5-7.

“It seems to be the same here every year. But I have to be satisfied with my performance as I was almost eliminated early in the tournament,” Roger said. He had narrowly escaped a defeat from Spain’s Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo.

After a series of breaks and re-breaks in the first set Roger came into the second all guns blazing, attacking the net and managing to hold serve after breaking in the first game. He 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 Roger’s level of play declined he won the next five games. Our star managed to level at 5-5 but Nadal wrapped it up after one hour and 43 minutes when Roger sent a backhand long, his 44th unforced error.

It is Nadal’s 24th career-title and his 19th on clay. This had only been achieved in the years 1911 to 1914 by New Zealand’s Anthony Wilding.

Next up for Roger is the “Internazionali BNL d'Italia” in Rome, starting on May 5th.