Match Prediction 27/04 Monte Carlo Masters

Best of three sets – Clay

Final

Roger Federer (1) SWI – Rafael Nadal (2) ESP

I tipped Nadal to win this tournament and he has cruised through the rounds so far. His battling displays have been impressive on his favourite surface and its going to take a seriously flawless performance from Federer to stop him winning his first title of the season. The interesting point is that the Swiss master has actually played near flawless tennis in his last two matches which makes for a thrilling prospect.

Nalbandian was brushed aside easily after he lost the first set and Djokovic is going back old ways as he retired in the second set as Federer was dominating him. His reason for retiring was that he hadn’t been well for three days. Well this obviously didn’t effect him against Querrey two days earlier and I think this makes Djoko look weak. Federer did not look at all impressed when the Serb came over to him to shake his hand.

Federer must have some belief back after coming back from 5-1 down in the third in his first round match and he really looks fired up here. This is why I think this match will be very close and most probably go to three sets. I feel if Federer gets his tactics right, for example not trying to beat Nadal from the  back of the court and mixes his play up he could unsettle the Spaniard. Moving into the net is an essential tactic here so he can avoid long drawn out points which Rafa revels in.

However overall I still feel this match is Nadal’s to lose as he has been on quite stunning form this week himself and there was a point against Davydenko yesterday which said everything about his character and ability on clay. He was sent wide by the Russian and Rafa attempted a pass down the line which Davydenko drop volleyed. The Spaniard then ran from one side of the court to the other and got the ball just as it was about to touch the ground and he passed Davydenko at the net. I couldn’t believe my eyes as Nadal had absolutely no right to get to that ball.

If Nadal replicated this sort of grit and desire against Federer he will be picking up his first title of the season.

Predicted Winner :: Nadal