Nadal Verges on Historic Sixth Consecutive Title in Monte Carlo

Rafael Nadal is on the verge of a historic sixth consecutive Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title. To accomplish the feat, he must overcome Fernando Verdasco – a friend, compatriot and Davis Cup teammate – in the main event, the final on Sunday.

Nadal reaches the final without dropping a set and leaking just a handful of games. Most recently, he packed off David Ferrer in the semis 6-2, 6-3.

Verdasco is after the biggest victory of his career, beating top seed Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2 in the semis. Verdasco’s win over Djokovic was surprising (to some) and surprisingly easy, especially knowing how hard he had to fight against Berdych and Montanes respectively in three- set affairs.

Not to take anything away from Verdasco and his moment, but Djokovic was completely off form. Verdasco didn’t have to do anything special to beat Djokovic as with over 40 unforced errors and less than 10 winners Djokovic did that all alone.

How each player arrives into the final is not always entirely indicative of what to expect from each player at the time of asking.

Most expect an epic to rival the 2009 Aussie Open semi-final clash when Verdasco had Nadal on the ropes throughout the five sets, five hours and some odd minutes. Though Verdasco didn’t have what it takes to beat Nadal then, and eventually bowed out 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-7(1), 6-4, that performance ranks to date his best ever.

It has been some time since that marathon clash and the pair has met twice since with Verdasco walking away empty handed. They met at the 2009 Rome and Madrid Masters quarters with Nadal winning both encounters in straight sets.

In fact, Nadal has had Verdasco’s number on all nine previous occasions. Most representative of his 9-0 edge over Verdasco is a 4-0 edge on clay, which includes winning all nine sets played.

Everything about this clash suggests smart money is Nadal all the way and not only because he is so dialed in to Verdasco's game but also clay is his turf, his domain and nowhere has it been more so than at Monte Carlo. Not for nothing is he known as the King of Clay.