Another Monte Carlo Masters, another Rafael Nadal victory. The Spaniard won his fifth straight Monte Carlo title on Sunday, disposing of Novak Djokovic 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Nadal simply owns the tournament -- no one has been better in the modern era. The only surprise? That Djokovic, himself no slouch, was able to snag a set from the top-ranked player. Before that, Nadal hadn't dropped a set in the tournament since 2006. But Nadal bounced back quickly and trounced the No. 3 player in the world with a third-set spanking.
With the season's second major a month away, the question is: Can anyone stop Nadal from hoisting his fifth French Open trophy at Roland Garros? The short answer: No. Nadal has won 21 straight matches on clay, and there's no reason to envision another player stopping him.
Djokovic? He's been known to wilt in the final sets. Roger Federer? He may never be the same after losing to Nadal in a five-set classic at Wimbledon last year. Andy Roddick? He's busy.
Sure, there could be other challengers, like Andy Murray, who beat Nadal in the U.S. Open semifinals last year. Or fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. But the odds are stacked against them, especially on clay, a surface that's like a second home for Nadal.
And if Nadal does win his seventh career alam, could he be on his way toward a natural Grand Slam? Why not. He's proven he can win on grass and on the hard court. He's won three of the last four slams and is eager to cement his legacy amongst the all-time greats.
As much as we talk about Federer and his pursuit of Pete Sampras' slam record of 14, Nadal already has six. He turns 23 in June. If he gets hot (and stays healthy), he could realistically reel off eight or more slams. Then, Sampras and Federer may have to cede the title of "Greatest of All Time" to Señor Nadal.
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Sabine Lisicki, of Germany, holds the championship trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Sabine Lisicki, from Germany, hugs her mother, Elizabeth Lisicki, after winning the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament as her father and coach, Richard Lisicki, left, applauds in Charleston, S.C., Sunday, April 19, 2009. Lisicki beat Caroline Wozniacki, from Denamark, 6-2, 6-4. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Sabine Lisicki of Germany holds the trophy after winning her women's tennis match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament final match in Charleston, South Carolina, April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
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Sabine Lisicki, from Germany, returns a shot to Caroline Wozniacki, from Denmark, during the final of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Sunday, April 19, 2009. Lisicki won 6-2, 6-4. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Spectators watch the final between Sabine Lisicki, bottom, of Germany, and Caroline Wozniacki, from Denmark, at the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Sunday, April 19, 2009. Lisicki won 6-2, 6-4. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Sabine Lisicki, of Germany, kisses the trophy after winning the singles Family Circle Cup tennis final in Charleston, S.C. Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a volley during her women's tennis match against Sabine Lisicki of Germany at the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament final match in Charleston, South Carolina, April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
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Nadia Petrova, left of Russia, and doubles partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands, from the United States, smile after their doubles victory over Liga Dekmeijere and Patty Schnyder in the finals of the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Sunday April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Nadia Petrova, right, of Russia, celebrates with doubles partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands, of the United States, back left, after winning the doubles championship during Family Circle Cup tennis finals in Charleston, S.C. Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)
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Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a volley during her women's tennis match against Sabine Lisicki of Germany at the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament final match in Charleston, South Carolina, April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-27-2009 @ 12:16AM
LKBAPO said...
what have you got against a gladiator going to battle and winning? do you have someone with a better game, more drive and determination than Rafa? because if you don't leave the express alone. the guy is what competition is all about. getting better every time out, studying your opponent and over coming adversity and making you want to be at every match he is going to play in because you know you are going to see some quality tennis.his losses are better than some players victories. don't stop just enjoy it, i know i do.
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5-16-2009 @ 1:53PM
Jimmy Marshall said...
Nadal is a wonderful player but why doesnt he buy some undershorts that fiy him, he is forver pulling at his rear. He needs better shorts or take more baths.
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